Search - Tony Trischka :: A Robot Plane Flies Over Arkansas

Signs of Mellowing

Gary Popovich | Chesterfield, VA USA | 05/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tony Trischka is the original banjo "enfant terrible" (to put things in perspective, he was Bela Fleck's instructor). His banjo style combines elements of Earl Scruggs, Don Reno and Bill Keith and forges them with a uniquely syncopated approach; his compositional approach has always been breathtaking. Prior to this effort, Tony seemed bent on breaking every rule imposed by the bluegrass world, particularly from a instumentation standpoint. This collection was Tony's first purely acoustic effort, and he managed to remain true to his musical vision while staying within the "traditional" bluegrass framework. And as always, his playing is dazzling - from the breakneck intro to "Purchase Grover" and the elaborate single string work of "Roberto's Dream" (in E-flat, no less!) to the incredible melodic stylings of "Fiddle Tune Medley", Tony and crew - including such luminaries as Tony Rice, David Grisman, and Mike Marshall - keep things exciting without resorting to the pyrotechnics that sometimes overshadowed his earlier efforts."

Tony at his best

Matthew Lippis | 12/20/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I really enjoy Trischka's experimentation and his ability to defy explanation and categorization. But lets face it, by the laws of experimentation not everything works out. That's just part of experimentation. I think The Early Years is a good example here. Most of it I'm in awe of but some of it is out there for me and doesn't gel completely.



This album breaks that law. It has found the sweet spot between experimentation and enjoyment. I enjoy everything on this album. This is the one album we hope that every talented musician makes. The one where it hits you on every level.



Probably a bigger testament to A Robot Flies Over Arkansas is that my fiance loves this album. My tastes are far more experimental than hers and she bores of most of the stuff I listen to (Ellington, Bela, etc). She loves this album.



In fact, we're playing John's Waltz To The Miller at our wedding. She likes this album so much she's playing a song that no-one has a chance of knowing. And she's a typical 30-something! She's got the diamond. She drives a Passat. She color's her hair. She's goes out to the club dancing (or at least used to). She digs this album. If she didn't, could we really get married..."