Jeff Troxel, Trevor Krieger release album

Though Billings-based fiddle player Trevor Krieger and Cody-based guitarist Jeff Troxel have been playing music together for more than 20 years, they only recently merged talents to record and release a joint album.

The two musicians released “Spirit of Our Time” earlier this year, a collection of Americana folk and fiddle tunes that join Troxel’s homegrown guitar sounds with Krieger’s energetic fiddling.

Krieger—who performs with numerous local groups including the Billings Symphony—was 13 when he was introduced to Troxel through a mutual friend, the late Billings jazz musician Ralph Sappington. The two have been making music ever since.

“Both Jeff and myself are very meticulous—as one should be,” Krieger said. “Making a record is not a cheap venture. And doing it ourselves—trying to get the perfect sounds and blends took some time, but it was worth it.”

Krieger said the difficulty in the type of music the duo plays is blending fiddle tunes with jazz, folk and Americana into a mix that people will enjoy. Onstage at their October CD release in Billings, the musicians collaborated with guest musicians Alex Nauman on banjo, Mark Bryan on upright bass, and Clay Green on drums–successfully merging talents like kindred sprits to perform tunes from “Spirit of Our Times.”

Krieger and Troxel are already at work putting music together for another album, and are working to promote “Spirit of Our Times” on the summer festivals circuits. Follow the gents on Facebook or visit www.jefftroxel.com to purchase a CD.

Anna Paige is a freelance writer and founder of Pen and Paige. Contact her at www.penandpaige.com.

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