In the vibrant and diverse America, where working-class cultures and traditions blend seamlessly, it is music that acts as the unifying force. The rich history of American music, spanning from ragtime to rock and roll, and from rap to techno, is a testament to the power of cross-cultural fermentation. This is the magic that the Venezuelan-American musical duo Larry & Joe bring to the stage as they embark on a tour across the United States for the next few months and into the next year.

Uniting Cultures through Melodic Meltdowns

Meeting in the Time of Pandemic

In 2020, during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, Larry Bellorin from Monagras, Venezuela, and Joe Troop from North Carolina crossed paths. Joe, an omnivorous bluegrass musical talent with a Grammy-nominated band Che Apalache behind him, found in Larry a kindred spirit with a deep love for music and a similar ambition. Together, they spin out stringy and notey tunes using a variety of instruments like the harp, banjo, cuatro, fiddle, maracas, guitar, and upright bass, creating a harmonious blend that gets feet moving, minds racing, and hearts thumping.This unique partnership has now taken them to 37 states across the US. As Joe said, "There's something special about this project. I have an ability to go into spaces where humans are gathering." Their music serves as a source of inspiration and hope, especially for the victims of Venezuela's ongoing human tragedies, where over seven million people have fled poverty and authoritarianism.

Blending Musical Traditions

In their 2023 album Nuevo South Train, Larry and Joe combine bluegrass standards like "Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms" with traditional Venezuelan songs and Joe's own compositions. For example, the song "Caballo Vieja" showcases the longing for love in Venezuelan folk music. As Joe pointed out, "Venezuelan folk music is very rich in its use of language. You rarely hear a metaphor in a bluegrass song."Music in America is indeed "great," as Joe celebrates. It fills the gap of authenticity that often seems lacking in the United States. Bluegrass itself is a fusion of traditions from Africa (where the banjo originated), Scotland, and Spain. Just like the working-class people who came together on farms and factories in Appalachia and sang of their struggles, Larry & Joe are continuing this tradition of unity through music.

Asylum Seeker and Protest Singer

As an asylum seeker in America, Bellorin stays away from politics. However, Joe Troop is a committed protest singer. In his other band, Joe Troop's Truth Machine, he uses his music to raise awareness about important issues like the border wall, Native American rights, and environmental causes.The upcoming crackdown on immigrants, especially those without legal status in the US, fuels Joe's activism and singing. He believes that "a lot of the migrant experience is they don't have a choice." The existence of Larry & Joe's project speaks volumes about the situation people are facing in the world.

Tapping into Joy and Music

In a time of despair for many, music provides a glimmer of hope. Troop's songwriting is filled with patriotic optimism. In "Love Along the Way," he lifts up "good-hearted people doing the best they can" and reminds us that "life on Earth is borrowed time."As he said, "Going into this new era, we're gonna be ruffling feathers." He encourages everyone to get off their couches and support live music and musicians. For more on Larry and Joe, visit their website and learn more about Joe Troop here.