Tony Trischka, in collaboration with Down The Road Records, has announced a March 13th release for Earl Jam 2, the follow-up to Tony Trischka’s Grammy-nominated tribute to bluegrass pioneer Earl Scruggs. The project continues Trischka’s deep dive into previously unheard jam-session solos from Scruggs’ home, reimagined with a new generation of bluegrass stars, including Billy Strings.

During the pandemic shutdowns, Trischka was given a thumb drive containing hours of archival recordings from informal jams hosted by Scruggs at his house—intimate sessions that captured the banjo legend relaxed, inventive, and surrounded by close friends. What began as a personal transcription exercise soon evolved into something bigger: a way to preserve, interpret, and share these spontaneous Scruggs solos through new studio recordings.

The first Earl Jam release earned widespread acclaim and a 2024 Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album. Now, Earl Jam 2 expands the vision with another collection of tunes drawn from those historic tapes, performed by Trischka alongside an all-star cast of collaborators.

Fans got their first taste of the new volume of Earl Scruggs tributes with the release of a studio video for John Hartford’s “Gentle On My Mind”, featuring Trischka with Billy Strings, Sam Bush, Michael Cleveland, and Mark Schatz. The clip captures the group adjusting keys to suit Strings’ vocal range while allowing Trischka to faithfully present Scruggs’ original solo, followed by a second break in his own style and a free-flowing ensemble jam that channels the spirit of the original living-room sessions.

Additional guests on Earl Jam 2 include Del and Ronnie McCoury, Molly Tuttle, Sierra Ferrell, Dudley Connell, the Gibson Brothers, Sister Sadie, The SteelDrivers, Bruce Molsky, Farayi Malek, and more—representing a cross-section of today’s bluegrass and roots landscape.

With Earl Jam 2, Trischka once again bridges generations—bringing the spontaneous genius of Earl Scruggs into the present moment through faithful transcription, creative interpretation, and the voices of today’s leading bluegrass musicians.

Watch the video of Tony Trischka performing “Gentle On My Mind” with Billy Strings, Sam Bush, Michael Cleveland, and Mark Schatz from the upcoming Earl Scruggs tribute below. Scroll down for the full album track and personnel list. See Trischka bring the project to life on tour this spring. Find tickets and tour dates on his website. Trischka also shared “Gentle On My Mind”, “Lost John”, and “Maple On The Hill” on all major streaming platforms, with pre-orders open for the full Earl Jam 2 album.

Tony Trischka — “Gentle On My Mind” (ft. Billy Strings) [Official Music Video]

Earl Jam 2 Tracklist

Columbus Stockade Blues – featuring Del and Ronnie McCoury
Red River Valley – featuring Molly Tuttle
Old Cacklin’ Hen
Mom & Dad’s Waltz – featuring Farayi Malek
Gentle On My Mind – featuring Billy Strings
Maple On the Hill – featuring Sister Sadie
Lost John – featuring the SteelDrivers
I Still Miss Someone – featuring Sierra Ferrell
That’s All Right – featuring Dudley Connell
Bill Cheatham
Down In the Willow Garden – featuring the Gibson Brothers
Boil Them Cabbage Down
Here Comes the Bride – featuring Sam Bush
Chicken Reel
I Wish We Had Our Time Again – featuring Bruce Molsky

Tony Trischka Spring 2026 Tour

March 12th – Symphony Space, New York, NY
March 13th – Grand Opera House, Wilmington, DE
March 14th – The State Theatre, State College, PA
March 18th – Sellersville Theater, Sellersville, PA
March 19th – Symphony Space, New York, NY
March 21st – West Falls Center for the Arts, West Falls, NY
March 26th – Symphony Space, New York, NY
April 18th – Belleville Roots Music Series, Newburyport, MA
April 25th – McConnell Arts Center, Columbus, OH
April 26th – City Winery, Pittsburgh, PA
May 23rd – The Freight, Berkeley, CA