Banjo virtuoso Tray Wellington is from Ashe County in western North Carolina. Captivated by the banjo during his early teenage years, Wellington quickly found himself immersed in developing his skill. Together with a group of friends, he formed Cane Mill Road, a band that swiftly gained acclaim for their dynamic mix of bluegrass.
Within a few short years, Cane Mill Road released three highly regarded albums; collaborated with renowned artists like Jim Lauderdale; and graced the stages of prestigious festivals in the United States, including Grey Fox, Merlefest, and the IBMA’s Wide Open Bluegrass. Tray’s exceptional talent was duly recognized, earning him the title of IBMA Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year and contributing to Cane Mill Road’s accolades as the 2019 IBMA Momentum Band of the Year.
Emboldened by his burgeoning success, Tray embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut EP, Uncaged Thoughts, and assuming roles as an educator and performer at events like Merlefest and Grey Fox. Notable achievements followed, from his involvement in Bela Fleck’s Blue Ridge Banjo Camp to a feature in Banjo Newsletter and an invitation to Mike Marshall’s Acoustic Music Seminar.
Transitioning into a new chapter of his career, Tray unveiled the Tray Wellington Band, debuting at the IBMA’s virtual World of Bluegrass in 2020. The following year, he returned to host the Momentum Awards ceremony and appeared at the Main Stage at the organization’s Wide Open Bluegrass festival.
A graduate of East Tennessee State University, Tray currently resides in Raleigh, NC, balancing his musical pursuits with work at Pinecone, the Piedmont Council of Traditional Music. The Tray Wellington Band continues to captivate audiences nationwide, with appearances at renowned festivals.
Tray Wellington returned to the newgrass instrumental side of his music in April 2024 with the single “Blue Collared Dog and His Green Eyed Friend.” Wellington and supporting musicians Katelynn Bohn (bass), Josiah Nelson (mandolin, fiddle) and Drew Matulich (guitar) delivered the tune’s three different parts with solos and ensemble passages that flow smoothly through its robust, straightforward arrangement.
Discography:
Uncaged Thoughts (2020)
Black Banjo (Mountain Home Music Company, 2022)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.