MOSAIC - 2004 Review by Joe Ross (Freelance writer for Bluegrass Now)

The Montana Mandolin Society calls their third album in as many years “Mosaic,” and they do a fine job adorning their mix of contemporary and traditional music with decorative ornaments. Opening with “The January Waltz” by John Goodin, the string ensemble gives an impressionistic seasonal piece that sets the mood for a chilly, white winter.

Society members Dennis White, Nancy Padilla and Jesse Ahmann also contribute original compositions--Duck Waddle, The Promise and Downtime, respectively. White is the Society’s music director, and “Duck Waddle” has a musical gait characterized by short steps that melodically tilt from side to side. Violinist Padilla’s air was originally written as a bridal processional. Cellist Ahmann’s “DownTime” was inspired by Vivaldi and is leanly arranged for a quartet with only cello, violin, mandola and mandocello. It’s a nice change-up from the larger group’s sound.

Click here to read the full review