Mandolinist
Matt Flinner is one the most exciting jazz-grass players on today's scene. Although influenced by pioneers like
David Grisman, he has developed his own approach to acoustic jazz. His new album
Latitude uses 1999's Phillips, Grier & Flinner as its launching point, bringing guitarist
David Grier and bassist
Todd Phillips along for the ride. In fact, "Rock Paper Scissors" and "33" find them once again performing as a trio. The remainder of the album has been supplemented by guests including fiddle players
Darol Anger and
Stuart Duncan, and dobroist
Jerry Douglas. These jazzy originals walk the line between the swing jazz of early Grisman and the spacier experiments of
Mike Marshall, leaving the listener with a relaxed acoustic sound, grounded in tradition. The fiddle work throughout the album is excellent, adding another distinct voice and filling out the sound.
Darol Anger only plays on two cuts -- "Sam I Am" and "Rayburn Avenue" -- but stamps both with his matchless style. Duncan plays on five cuts, bringing a more traditional approach that melds perfectly with the other players. Even when the basic lineup is augmented with a fiddle and Douglas' dobro -- "Latitude" and "Rayburn Avenue" -- the sound remains spacious. Grier's guitar work throughout
Latitude, whether playing lead or as merely support, is excellent. He never overplays, and builds his solos in satisfying though unsuspecting ways. While
Flinner is certainly the leader here, he generously shares space with the other players. His mandolin work ranges from traditionally based in "Latitude" to the more poetic nuances of "Goodbye Victor."
Latitude is a great addition to
Flinner's catalog, and will be appreciated by his fans as well as lovers of good acoustic jazz. It shouldn't be missed.