Tanjo & Crow:
Tanjo & Crow is a no-holds-barred exploration of roots music through eclectic songwriting, Appalachian arrangements, and seemingly fearless improvisation. The project draws upon the diverse musical backgrounds and songwriting of Tanner Bingaman (banjo, guitar, vocals) and Allan Combs II (guitar, harmonica, vocals). They have been featured on NPR stations, self-produced an album of original and traditional music, were recently nominated as Folk Artist of the Year by the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame, and have been awarded two-time artist-in-residence programs at the prestigious Avaloch Farm Music Institute.
If you're interested in hiring the band for a performance or commission, please fill out the inquiries submission at the bottom of this page.
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“Tanjo & Crow embody the kind of creative collaboration that Avaloch was built to support. Their residencies and performances here exemplify extraordinary artistry, curiosity, and a generosity of spirit which is essential to our community. Every time they visit Avaloch, they explore bold new ideas, they share their process with other musicians, and fill our spaces with a rare combination of precision and playfulness. Their performances draw audiences in with their warmth and authenticity, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who hears them. We’re proud to count Tanjo & Crow among the artists who help define the excellence and collaborative energy that Avaloch Farm has become known for.”
- Ashley Bathgate, Executive & Artistic Director, Avaloch Farm Music Institute
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"Seeing Tanjo & Crow in concert is like witnessing a high-wire act where the performers are perfectly in sync. Their music is in perfect calibration with one another. The duo, anchored by Tanner Bingaman (Tanjo) and Allan Combs II (Crow), delivers a roots and Americana experience that is profoundly authentic, showcasing a level of musicality and controlled chaos that captivates from the very first note.
The musicianship they display is awe-inspiring. Bingaman's mastery of the banjo and guitar is fluid and innovative, weaving classic bluegrass and folk techniques with elements of modern punk and country. Complementing this is Combs' astounding guitar work, which injects soulful, blues-infused riffs into the mix, providing a driving, grounding force. Their chemistry is a study in musical cohesion; they listen to one another with an almost telepathic connection, creating arrangements that feel loose and spontaneous while maintaining impeccable structure. As one of the band members put it, they practice "controlled chaos," pushing the boundaries of improvisation just to the edge before snapping back into perfect harmony.
This deep musical understanding serves as the foundation for their exceptional songwriting. Tanjo & Crow write songs that feel both nostalgic and entirely new, rooted in American musical traditions but exploring modern sensibilities. Tracks like "Know What's Right" demonstrate a maturity in lyricism, tackling themes of life, adventure, and reflection with raw honesty. Their songs are stories that stick with you—melodically sophisticated tunes that manage to feel incredibly accessible, propelled by rich, two-part harmonies that sound fantastic live. They truly serve the song, ensuring every component, from a guitar lick to a lyrical couplet, contributes to the emotional core.
Finally, their stage presence transforms their performance into an unforgettable event. Tanjo & Crow possess a humble yet engaging aura that immediately draws the audience in. Their energy is infectious, marked by a genuine joy in playing together—a nervous, childlike excitement that translates into passionate performance. Whether paired down to a reflective duet or joined by collaborators like Eric Avey on upright bass, their interaction with the audience is warm and charismatic. They exude the kind of honest, earnest passion that reminds you what live music is supposed to feel like: an intimate, shared experience. Tanjo & Crow is essential listening for anyone who appreciates first-class talent and heart and soul."
- Ron & Teresa Kodish, founders of Smoked Country Jam Festival
