Produced and recorded by mandolin/bluegrass legend
David Grisman, this two-disc set collects 31 recordings made over the span of four years by some of acoustic music's most talented practitioners. Recorded on the same two instruments (a 1922 Gibson F-5 mandolin and 1933 Martin OM-45 guitar) to a 1/2" two-track analog tape machine, and utilizing no equalization, it's up to the performer to set the dynamic. This is not just a showcase for the instrument, it's a challenge to the players, and whether it's improvised Eastern European blues (
Frank Vignola's "Gypsy Playland") or a strict interpretation of
J.S. Bach (
Mike Marshall's "Corrente in D Minor"), these "tone poets" make each delightfully organic track absolutely electrifying. ~ James Christopher Monger