Songwriter-performer Greg Trafidlo gave up the corporate world more than a decade ago to focus on his artistic pursuits, and lately his career seems to be gathering momentum.
The Roanoke County resi- dent, who once worked for ad agencies in Chicago and locally, recently picked up a first place prize in the novelty/comedy category for his song “Starbucks of County Down,” based on an old Irish tune.
It’s one of a number of song- writing contests he has compet- ed in. Trafidlo tunes have also been heard on the Dr. Demento radio show and on NPR’s Car Talk program.
Trafidlo, who co-wrote Star- bucks with Neal Phillips, also his partner in the folk trio Trifolkal, has just released his fourth solo album, “Carved in Song.” It’s a mix of different styles, with the Nashville tinge on some tunes – a reflection perhaps of Trafidlo’s forays to that capital of country music, where he shops his origi- nal songs to other artists. He has played at the historic Ryman Auditorium on WSM, the radio home of the Grand Ol’ Opry.
The former president of the Southwest Virginia Songwriters Association said that, “music has always been very important to me. It’s been my way of learn- ing things.”
Carved in Song also includes a searing send up of the Bush
White House years, “The Talk- ing White House Cleaning Blues.” Folk music legend and Grammy lifetime award winner Tom Paxton, told Trafidlo that he “loved” the song, and sug- gested Woody Guthrie would have too. Trafidlo has also played with Paxton recently. “That was a real big thing for me,” he adds.
“I hope it has a little bit more depth to it,” said Trafidlo of Carved in Song – often humor- ous, sometimes romantic. “Its really a challenge to write in as many different styles as I can. I’m really happy with [the new album] in a lot of ways.”
Trafidlo has been involved as a songwriter, session performer (guitar and other string instruments) and producer on over 50 albums.
Trifolkal has released nine recordings and is working on a tenth; the other trio mem- ber is Trafidlo’s ex-wife, Laura Phillips. Their label is Kira Re- cords, named after a dog Phil- lips once had.
“It’s been part of my life for- ever,” said Trafidlo of his folk flavored music, which he first played professionally in the Chicago area where he also grew up.
See gregtrafidlo.com or cd- baby.com for more about Carved in Stone, or pick it up at Fret Mill Music; Trafidlo will perform with other local songwriters at Kirk Avenue Music Hall on Feb- ruary 15.
By Gene Marrano [email protected]
