Katie Trautz and Nate Gusakov on 'Rocket Shop' 4/13/11

Katie Trautz and Nate Gusakov at BHW for 'Rocket Shop' 4/13/11

Words by Julie Jay Seger. Photos by Sam Donnelly.

Last week Vermont musicians Katie Trautz and Nate Gusakov dropped by 'Rocket Shop' on 105.9 FM The Radiator. Katie and Nate came to rep' their solo projects, discuss their newly formed band, Katie Trautz and The Tall Boys, and perform a few of their finest tunes.

From Cabot, Vermont, Katie Trautz grew up on classic fiddle and banjo tunes. She teaches fiddle and singing lessons for all ages at the Summit School in Montpelier, which offers classes in drumming, dance, songwriting and more. Last year Katie released her first solo album, 'Remembering' and has kept busy collaborating and performing in a number of musical projects. Katie's been passionately involved with music all her life: "Music is an outlet for me. I don't necessarily have a bigger goal; it's just something I love to do." With inspiration from old time artist Lead Belly, traditional folk and fiddle music, and newer influences from artists like Andrew Bird, Katie's music is classic and inventive, playful and eclectic.

Katie has played with banjo player Nate Gusakov for nearly six years now. Also a Vermonter, Nate was raised on folk and banjo music. "I play music to have fun, there's nothing else that can compare to it." Nate is getting ready to release his first solo album that features contributions from musicians around the country, including Katie.

Occasionally a trio, Katie Trautz and the Tall Boys features Katie on fiddle, Nate on banjo and Michael Roberts on guitar/bass. If you're in the state of Vermont this weekend, you have three opportunities to see the group in action: 4/21 at The Bees Knees in Morrisville, 4/22 at The Skinny Pancake in Burlington, and 4/24 at Brattleboro venue South By South Main. The band has played throughout New England and is pumped to bring the music to the people once more. Stay tuned for a Katie Trautz and The Tall Boys studio album also in the works.

Here's what you heard on 'Rocket Shop':

1) Katie Trautz, "We Don't Ask" (Live)

2) Katie Trautz, "In the Pines" (Live)

3) Nate Gusakov, "Abagail's Tune"

4) Nate Gusakov, "Running Clear"

5) Nate Gusakov, "In The Maples"

6) Nate Gusakov, "Cold January Day"

7) Katie Trautz and Nate Gusakov, "Malbec" (Live)

8) Katie Trautz and Nate Gusakov, "Cumberland Gap" (Live)

9) Katie Trautz and Nate Gusakov, "Grape Fruit Juice" (Live)

10) Katie Trautz and Nate Gusakov, "Dusty Boxcar Wall" (Live)

Thanks again to Katie and Nate for sharing their wonderful music on 'Rocket Shop,' Big Heavy World's local music radio hour on 105.9 FM The Radiator.

[podcast]http://www.bigheavyworld.com/audio_mp3/rocketshop/2011/RShop20110413_KatieTrautz-NateGusakov.mp3[/podcast]