EARL JAM 2

Description

Hailed by the New York Times as the “father of modern bluegrass” and by NPR as the “great liberator of the banjo,” Tony Trischka has dedicated over sixty years to redefining the possibilities of the banjo while remaining deeply rooted in the tradition that inspired him. Trischka's mission comes to full fruition with Earl Jam 2, the highly anticipated follow-up to his 2023 Grammy and IBMA-nominated debut, Earl Jam. Both albums revolve around a remarkable discovery: a trove of unreleased recordings of Earl Scruggs and John Hartford informally jamming at Scruggs' home between 1987 and 1998. Earl Jam 2 features 15 new performances from these same archives, ranging from traditional standards to obscure fiddle tunes and iconic American songs like “Gentle on My Mind,” “Red River Valley,” and “That's All Right.” As with Earl Jam, Trischka is joined by exceptional collaborators, including Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Sam Bush, Del and Ronnie McCoury, Sierra Ferrell, The SteelDrivers, Sister Sadie, The Gibson Brothers, and many more. Each guest brings a unique voice, yet the performances remain unified by their adherence to Scruggs' original phrasing, timbre, and rhythm. Drawing from archival material, Earl Jam 2 pulsates with new energy, connecting bluegrass's history to its present and future, and celebrating the legacy, community, and timeless power of the banjo. More than a tribute, Earl Jam 2 is a living dialogue with Earl Scruggs, carried on by one of his most devoted and creative heirs.