The Reynolds Homestead will host the 2016 American Music Series presenting The Jeff Little Trio on Sunday, March 13 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door and will be $12 for adults and $6 for students. Call (276) 694-7181 for information.
The Jeff Little Trio features Little on piano, Steve Lewis on guitar and banjo and Josh Scott on upright bass.
With few exceptions, the piano does not play a prominent part in Appalachian or Americana music, and is rarely the lead instrument. But Jeff Little is an exception—and a remarkable one. His distinctive two-handed style, much influenced by the mountain flat-picked guitar tradition, is breathtaking in its speed, precision and clarity.
A professional musician since the age of 14, Little is conversant with traditional old-time country, bluegrass, rockabilly, and blues.
Little’s involvement with fiddle tunes, old time country, and traditional blues dates to his growing up in Boone, N.C., where his family, owned a music shop. The shop was a regular gathering place for musicians who would just stop by to pick a few tunes
At an early age, Little would regularly sit in with many of the musicians from the region, including one of America’s most influential musicians: Doc Watson. These influences helped shape Little’s approach to the piano which is based on these deep musical traditions. There is also an echo of more contemporary mountain tradition in his performances.
He continues to have a very busy concert schedule. Performances include The Smithsonian Institution, The National Folk Festival, American Piano Masters, Merlefest and many other festivals and venues. In 2014, Little was inducted into the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame.
Refreshments will be served, and dancing is encouraged.
For more information contact The Reynolds Homestead, 463 Homestead Dr., Critz, at (276) 694-7181, or visit: www.virginia.org/Listings/EventsAndExhibits/SecondSundayAmericanMusicSeries. On Facebook, visit American Music Series-Reynolds Homestead.
