|
The
fourth CD
produced by the Montana Mandolin
Society, an internationally recognized touring mandolin orchestra known for
its unique sound, the Montana Sound. The Society tours regularly and
has been featured on NPR, at The Kennedy Center, and received a 2004 Grammy
Nomination for their Mosaic CD.
(Review published by the Montana Arts Council - State of the Arts)
Montana Mandolin Society: The Dance of the Sandhill
Recorded at the Mix Pit, Bozeman, MT, and produced by Dennis White and
the Montana Mandolin Society, 2006
Liner notes tell us this album honors the "traditional ritual act of
crane dancing" (notice the cover image by Monte Dolack). Cranes mean
long life to the Japanese, and the Montana Mandolin Society relishes the
connection between the sandhill cranes' dance and human survival, in
their "curious musical motion."
Indeed. Minuetting and pirouetting through vast styles of music, this
internationally famous Bozeman group's fourth CD carries the listener up
and away, showing off the talented musicianship of this gaggle of
twelve.
The Society says it was originally inspired by a 1902 photo of the
Bozeman Mandolin and Guitar Club. More than a hundred years later, the
group offers up both old-time standards and newly minted songs, and
makes them all sound fresh in extraordinary ways. It's a stellar
follow-up to their 2004 Grammy-nominated effort for Best Contemporary
Folk Album, Mosaic.
There's the Irish lilt of member Kevin Fabozzi's whitewater inspiration,
"Salmon River Run"; "Mary Anne," member Craig Hall's luscious and
extravagant composition for his bride on their wedding day; the Ralph
Towner classic, "Icarus," a moody opus swooping and diving with
mandocellos.
How about the surprising and welcome jump-jive of "Sweet Georgia Brown"?
Or the nifty tick-tock banjo of the title piece, written by orchestra
leader Dennis White; the bittersweet "My Funny Valentine"; and Norman
Blake's happy, snappy "Blake's March."
My favorite might be the Cuban tune, "El Cumbanchero," played like a
Gypsy rocker, highlighted by Fabozzi's cool mandola work. Yum!
No matter the style, the group plays dazzling arrangements of densely
layered and thematic pieces. Visit them at www.montanamando.com.
– Mariss McTucker
"I ordered the new CD thru
paypal. Please encourage the band
(and yourself!) - I listened to the sound clips on your
website for the new CD and it just
sounds like the best yet! And all the CDs
are fabulous!
Have a great tour! I've really enjoyed the
blogs, too! Please ask the band to "keep 'em
coming!"
Blessings,
Jill
San Diego"
I just really wanted
to drop a line to let you know how much I think of this group, the
Montana Mandolin Society... what an inspiring, enjoyable combo! I am
thoroughly convinced that discovery of groups
like this - and there are so few like MMS - are why I write about and
love music for a living.
Great stuff, and next chance you get to tell the band, please tell them
to never stop making records. And to extend the next tour to the
Southeast, please!
Best,
--Andy
|
