Balance
Produced by Tony Trischka and Fretwater
Order the CD for $15.00 (s&h included)
Click on the higlighted song titles to hear clips from the CD
- Mexican Jazz – I used to tune a guitar up like a banjo, and while I was listening a lot to Rodrigo, this melody came to be a ballad. The band later made it swing.
- Balance – A stable state characterized by a satisfactory arrangement, marked by even distribution of elements including guitars, banjos, drums, and life.
- To Say So – Originally written on the electric banjo, I was practicing the melody on the acoustic in the studio when Tony thought I should record this song similarly. I didn’t think the melody would sustain well enough, but Tony knew it was right.
- Jitterbug Waltz – I don’t think Fats Waller ever envisioned this melody played on two banjos, but with Bill Keith, it’s a right combination.
- Electric Blues – Keith picked up a beautiful blue drum kit around the time my electric banjo was completed by Deering, – and we were omnipotent.
- Muffin – Inspired after a brisk autumn motorcycle ride through the Berkshire mountains for a cup of coffee and a muffin.
- New Bossa – This melody and approach came to me during my studies with Dave Santoro.
- Silver Bear – An achievement award for a Scout. A maturation which we found similarly in ourselves.
- You and Me – Jeff Wallace started playing with us in 1991. We had a lot of fun. This song is for those times.
- Happened So Fast – I am always living inside of Keith’s hi-hat when playing this, (I don’t know if I ever left). We all love Frank’s solo.
- Ryan’s Waltz – I always wanted to write a waltz. Thanks to Frank and Dave Santoro for helping arrange the harmony.
Featuring:
- Ron Cody, 1930 Gibson Mastertone RB-3 and Deering Crossfire electric 5-string banjo
- David Miller, Peavey six string electric bass
- Frank Varella, Martin Ovation acoustic guitars, Gibson and Laramie electric guitars
- Keith Mallory, Pearl Master Series drums, Sabian cymbals, Zildjian cymbals, and percussion
With Special Guests:
- Stuart Duncan, violin (Balance, Muffin, and Ryan’s Waltz)
- Bill Keith, harmony banjo and first solo (Jitterbug Waltz)
- Tony Trischka, harmony banjo (Muffin)
- Jeff Wallace, Fender Stratocaster guitar (You and Me)
