WNRN Commonwealth of Music ft. The Trongone Band & Blake Hunter

WNRN’s Commonwealth of Music is a feature presenting various Virginia artists recorded at local venues. The shows are then aired and promote local music discovery across the region and beyond.

Commonwealth of Music is made possible by the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, In Your Ear Studio & Route 11 Potato Chips.

About The Trongone Band: The Trongone Band’s core consists of Father John, and sons Andrew and Johnny Trongone. The three of them have been playing and writing together since they can remember. Over the years they have developed one of the more unique dynamics witnessed in recent history, one that could only be forged through a lifetime of playing and learning together.

The past three years have been particularly fruitful as the band transitions into a nationally touring act playing original music. Their two year long Thursday night residency at Cary Street Café became a legendary Richmond staple. There was hardly a night when there was not a line around the block waiting to get in. These nights gave birth to live shows that are off the cuff and full of guest appearances that even surprised the band itself.

In that time they assembled the top Richmond musicians to round out the line up. The group has added full time members Ben White (The Former Champions) and Mark Ingraham (DJ Williams Projekt). This has allowed the group to solidify their unique sound that is heavily informed by the musical masters of yesteryear. With one foot in tradition and the other precariously perched on the cutting edge of what’s to come next, each next step is bound to be unique and exciting.

This hard work has garnered them the respect of their peers as well as one of the strongest followings in Richmond and surrounding areas. They have supported national and international touring acts such as: The Wailers, War, The Pimps of Joytime, Marhsall Tucker, and The Lee Boys. The Trongone Band has also has compelling and ongoing collaborations with DJ Williams, Ron Holloway (Allman Brothers, Warren Haynes Band), and Brock Butler.

In early 2015 The Trogone Band released their first EP “The Southside Sessions.” They are currently in the process of producing their first full length album. You can also find the band on their perpetually tour up and down the east coast playing club dates and festivals this summer.

About Blake Hunter: Formerly of the Charlottesville local band, Trees on Fire, Blake Hunter is releasing his debut album, Skylights.  Recorded in New Orleans with Producer Eric Heigle, this explorative endeavour spans the horizons of a classically educated singer who hasn't found a box in which to creatively reside.  Thus, this project brings anything from simple acoustic arrangements with airy, dreamlike soundscapes to cinematic orchestrations with driving synchopated grooves.  Instrumentation includes classic rock band set up with violin, cello, pedal steel, tablas and more surprises.