Released 2014, Rounder Records

Tony Trischka is one of the leading lights of contemporary banjo. His innovations have inspired players like Bela Fleck and myriad others, helping to define the dynamic banjo stylings of today. With a formidable range from traditional pieces through contemporary experimentation, Great Big World encompasses the generous world of Tony Trischka's music his sterling banjo, and his extraordinary original tunes. Here likeminded creative musicians (Steve Martin, Aoife O Donovan, Noam Pikelny, Larry Campbell, Abigail Washburn, Ramblin Jack Elliot, and many others) are brought together to receive Tony's clear mandate: inhabit a song and make it your own. Who else but Tony Trischka would dare to include a Single String Medley, just what it sounds like, and also have the imagination and verve to pull it off! Bela Fleck recalls, Tony used to say he played off his feelings, and I never knew exactly what he meant back then, but maybe I didn't have to. I could listen and feel things myself which is the goal of great music, come to think about it.