NEWBURYPORT – North Texas music lovers have a pair of treats in store this weekend as Tony Trischka, who has been called the “greatest banjo player on the planet,” is joined by rhythm and blues singer Farayi at the Belleville Roots Concert Saturday night.
It’s “a night where bluegrass brilliance meets soulful innovation,” the concert described the event.
Tony Trischka’s Earl Jam, a spirited celebration of the legendary Earl Scruggs, and Farayi, who brings her childhood gospel mixed with blues and jazz, are both Grammy nominees.
“Trischka brings jaw-dropping virtuosity and deep musical storytelling to the stage, weaving together classic bluegrass roots with adventurous improvisation and heartfelt tributes to Scruggs’ sound,” the concert said.
Trischka rescued unheard recordings of Scruggs and recreated Scruggs’ banjo parts with accuracy and precision. The resulting Earl Jam functions as both a historical restoration and a vibrant, living stage show highlighting Scruggs style is a fresh. contemporary setting.
“Whether you’re a lifelong bluegrass fan or simply crave inspired live performance, this is the show to see,” the concert said.
With Trischka on banjo, his band includes Michael Daves on vocals and guitar, bassist Jared Engel and fiddler Sam Stage. They trace the story of Scruggs from his childhood to his final years.
Grammy winning banjo player Bela Fleck described Trischka as “one of the greatest banjo players on the planet, and to have him as a teacher was such a thrill.”
Farayi Malek, a vocalist, world traveler and solo artist, is returning to her musical roots. Raised in Southern Idaho by a Zimbabwean immigrant father and an American mother, she grew up playing the fiddle and embracing diverse cultures. Farayi, who was mentored by artists like T-Bone Burnett and Jon Batiste, teaches at Berklee and New England Conservatory.
She has become an integral creative partner in Tony Trischka’s recent work, helping to bring the Earl Jam project and related performances to life through thoughtful collaboration, organization, and artistic support.
The concert is held at the Belleville Congregational Church, 300 High St., Newburyport. Buy tickets at https://tinyurl.com/eventbritetrischka.
