While on vacation last week, Denise and I had the great pleasure of traveling to Robbinsville, NC, and the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center (here) to hear a bluegrass/acoustic trio called The Kruger Brothers (here)
How was their music? In a word: PHENOMENAL!!!
What an amazing story these guys are! Born and raised in Switzerland (of all places!), Jens (pronounced, "yenz") and Uwe (pronounced "ooh-vay") Kruger are the banjo and guitar players respectively; Joel Landsberg (raised in New York City) plays bass guitar.
As something of a banjo player, I know what I'm talking about when I say unequivocally that Jens Kruger's banjo playing is jaw-dropping! In my opinion, he is without rival. I told Denise earlier this year when I first discovered The Kruger Brothers' music: "I always thought that I knew who was the best banjo player in the world [referring to another incredible and widely-known banjoist], but then I heard Jens Kruger!" See him in concert and you get the idea that he's not just "playing notes" on a 5-string instrument, but truly loves the music and all it represents! And the same goes for his "guitar whiz" brother and their exquisite bassist colleague!
Their website says,
"Kruger Brothers performances are exciting, calming, entertaining and spontaneous, reflecting their sheer joy in playing music."
That describes them perfectly! And, having now met them personally, I would add that they're also three of the kindest men you'll ever encounter.
Genuine. Down to earth. Understatedly humorous. Passionate about life and their music.
Take it from me: If you enjoy the bluegrass/acoustic sound, RUN -- don't walk -- to get some Kruger Brothers music and, if at all possible, to hear them live in concert!
Greg
PS If you don't enjoy the bluegrass/acoustic sound, let me know and I will gladly pray for you.
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