Druha Trava

Since its 1991 formation in the Czech Republic, the bluegrass ensemble Druha Trava has developed a distinctive traditional folk-rock style. The group’s robust multi-instrumentation delivers intricate textures that evoke Central European musical traditions. “Second Grass” is the English rendering of the name Druha Trava, which originated from the vision of international country and bluegrass figure Robert Krestan. Krestan’s longstanding interest in the five-string banjo traces to his admiration for Pete Seeger, who appeared in Krestan’s homeland in 1982. Seeger’s performance prompted Krestan to explore American folk music and adapt its elements for Czech contexts. He completed the lineup with Lubos Malina on banjo, Jiri Mesner on bass, Martin Ledvina on guitar, and Lubos Novotny on dobro. The resulting tight ensemble has received global recognition, including “Band of the Year” honors from the Czech recording industry. The musicians have also shared stages with established bluegrass and folk figures such as Ricky Skaggs, Peter Rowan, Davy Spillane, and Béla Fleck. After signing with Compass Records, Druha Trava issued Czechmate in 1999, its sixth studio album and first U.S. release. New Freedom Bell appeared several months later.