If Bela Fleck is a fine German clock, Steve Lutke is a freight train. Whether he's knocking you over with hard-hitting, J.D. Crow-inspired licks, or conjuring the tranquil, bluesy soul of pianist George Winston, Lutke's music never lacks intensity. Hailing from the northern mountains of New Jersey, Lutke's 40-year love affair with the five-string banjo has led him to stages around the world as, among many others, Vassar Clements's side man, and as heavy artillery for Austin's punk/psychograss outfit, Killbilly.

While his resume is impressive, it's Lutke's simultaneous loyalty to traditional bluegrass and his quest for new textures that separates the sound of Appalachian Uprising from most bluegrass ensembles. Expect to hear a wide range of music, from country to surf rock, new age soundscapes to lilting waltz's, bluegrass to blues. Appalachian Uprising comes in many forms, including solo shows and duets to a full fledged bluegrass ensemble. Whatever the combination, prepare to be knocked out by some world-class musicianship.

Listen to what Lutke's peers have to say:

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"Steve Lutke is the Heifetz of the Banjo. His technique is dazzling. Lutke plays from within and brings
to his performances a beautiful sense of line and musicianship."

David Dworkin
Clarinetist, Metropolitan Opera American Symphony-retired

Conductor-Manhattan School of Music-Retired Conductor-Philharmonic on Hudson-Retired

Creator of "Conductorcise®" A SOUND workout For Mind, body and Soul

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"Appalachian Uprising" Reviewed in the June 2005 issue of "Frets" magazine:

STEVE LUTKE - APPALACHIAN UPRISING

Steve Lutke has been called "the Michael Jordan of the banjo." While that might be a slight stretch (no way does Lutke have a 42" vertical leap), a listen to this record gives you an idea of where the comparison comes from. Lutke possesses a dizzying command of his instrument and peels off death-defying licks and runs with ease and humor. He's accompanied by a former flatpicking champ in Bob Harris, as well as monster mandolin/fiddle player Travis Wetzel. He also brings techniques to the banjo table that seem to come from the classical guitar, piano, and even harp traditions and he gets a lot of new and refreshing timbres out of his 5-string. When Lutke isn't pushing the boundaries of what a banjo can sound like, he absolutely shreds and then shreds again. Woo Hoo!