September 1999

Tony Trischka Band
Bend
Rounder

By Hilarie Grey

If you assume that a banjo-plucking frontman could only possibly offer country or perhaps bluegrass stylings, listening to the mind-numbingly creative work of the Tony Trischka Band on the aptly titled Bend (73:21) will make you think again. The impossibly fleet-fingered stylist dips into nearly every genre but the country-side, sparking a joyful '70s rock retro tone on "Feed the Horse," cascading in art rock/fusion-styled riffs and licks through "Steam/Foam of the Ancient Lake," which resonates with snaking guitar wails. Where the Latin-wrought "Bandore" is taut and tight, like the telling of a dark romantic legend, "Canary" struts with blues-rock abandon. Throughout, Trischka demonstrates twisted, dazzling fingerwork in a variety of tricky timings. Armed with a supporting cast to keep up with the chase on frenetic rippers like the wild "First Steps," Trischka's remarkable Bend from the traditional will leave listeners breathless.