Andy Statman - Old Brooklyn

Andy Statman - Old Brooklyn

2011, Shefa Records

Andy Statman is the sort of talent that only comes along once or twice a generation.  The Flatbush Brooklyn resident grew up in a family full of cantors and professional musicians, and seemingly was born with an insatiable love of music.  Klezmer music was an early love, but once Statman discovered the work of Flatt & Scruggs he was forever hooked on bluegrass.  An artist in the traditional sense, Statman can play anything, but he seems to come just a bit more alive when he digs into the roots of American culture, while never forgetting the Klezmer music from his own cultural roots.  Andy Statman recently released the double album Old Brooklyn.  It’s a revelation.

Statman opens with "Old Brooklyn", alternating between traditional bluegrass forms and bouts of messy, improvisational noise. Some Celtic flavoring gets added into the mix. The picking is incredible, but the manic-aggressive tendencies of the breakdowns may put off some listeners. "Pretty Little Gal" is a hot little instrumental that burns bright, and sets stage for the deeply nuanced and intriguing "The World Will Provide". Ricky Skaggs sits on as guest vocalist, offering a fluid guide to offset Statman's edgy and unusual instrumentation. The result is a gorgeous and haunting piece with a surprisingly crisp backbone.

Statman explores the delta where jazz and Middle Eastern styles meet on "Totally Steaming", an interesting musical backwater that allows his ensemble to show off their talents. "Zhok Mahoney" keeps the Mediterranean flavor but is more free-form in nature. Statman's progressive tendencies get the better of him here, however, as he tries to do too much at times to fill up space. "Eitan And Zaidy" blends 1970's rock, bluegrass, funk and jazz into an intriguing musical hybrid. The musicianship is excellent throughout, and music theory fanatics will have fun pulling this one apart.

Statman kicks back with a blend of back porch jazz and R&B perfect for a lazy summer afternoon in "Since I Met You Baby". There's an unrefined sound here that's not quite as messy as it might first sound. Brooklyn goes country on "A Brighter Day", a mischievous little waltz that's easy going and fun. "Life Cycles" is an introspective and pretty solo piece for clarinet that is a must-hear. Sometimes just a solo voice or instrumental can tell the whole story, with a panache that the largest orchestra just can't touch. This is one of those performances.

The slow country waltz comes around again on "Bourbon In Jackson Hole", but Statman is ready to shake off the mood and get down to some good, old-fashioned rock and roll. This happens on the wonderful "A Boppin' Crib", which finds Statman and his band weaving together a mix of R&B, jazz and early rock in subtle measure. The song is fun and danceable, and will refuse to get itself out of your brain. Things get tricky on "Waltz For Mom". Guest Bruce Molsky and Statman are true to the title, facing off two fiddles on the bifurcated melody line, but there's an Irish jig dancing around inside screaming to come out.

Bela Fleck makes an appearance, lending his prodigious banjo to "Shabbos Nigun". "Mah Yedidus (How Beloved Is Your Rest)", however, features some of the finest instrumental work of the album. That lazy afternoon feel returns on "Blues In 3", a song with great sound and little ambition; and a great listen. Molsky returns for another fiddle faceoff on "Uncle Mo", a catchy and danceable reel you simply cannot ignore. Statman closes with "Long Journey Home", an amped up acoustic instrumental that blows the roof off and leaves no doubters behind.

Andy Statman is consistently inconsistent on Old Brooklyn, refusing to be hemmed in by considerations of genre or style. The result is an eminently pleasing and entertain gin listen that should garner some real attention from critics and on year-end lists. Statman's sound is varied enough to work against him from a commercial perspective, but placement on a soundtrack or popular compilation would explode Statman into much wider recognition. Statman certainly deserves the exposure. Even with a few bumps, Old Brooklyn still stands to be one of the finest efforts in Americana and World music of the year.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Andy Statman at www.andystatman.org. 

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Review: MandoMorphosis - 2010

MandoMorphosis - 2010
2009, MandoMorphosis

MandoMorphosis is a Seattle-based collective of seven Mandolin players with varying musical backgrounds who have bound themselves together with the purpose of exploring the "boundaries of new acoustic music". The group consists of Matt Sircely (Hot Club Sandwich, Danny Barnes, Buell Neidlinger); David Tiller (Taarka, ThaMuseMeant); Pete Frostic (Old School Freight Train); Orville Johnson; Michael Connolly (Captain Gravel, Coyote Grace); Adam Larrabee and Scott Scaffer, bringing Jazz, Blues, Bluegrass, World and Classical influences into one intriguing blend. MandoMorphosis' debut album, 2010, will be released in the waning days of 2009.

2010 opens with the brief cacophony of Crash before segueing into Matt's Idea, an intricate mix of Celtic and Bluegrass that challenges listeners across layers of sound. It's an energetic and intriguing opener that perks up the ears. A Minor Squabble is subtle with quiet conflict. On Santa Morena, MandoMorphosis offers a strong southern European feel built in a classical musical engine with a theme that rises with incessant force before spiraling away like a child spinning in a field. There's a joyful spirit here residing beneath the weight of the world. CrimeDog is a real barn burner, a Bluegrass jam with a contemporary feel that will make you want to get up and dance.

Hamhock's Razor is an active and interesting piece, heavy in musical complexity but built around the simplest of hooks. Occam himself would be quite pleased, both with the song and the word play. Perhaps the highlight of the album is Chopin's Nocturne Op. 9, No. 2. MandoMorphosis' reading is brilliant, catching the full melancholic force of the composition. It's a thing of beauty for the ears. MandoMorphosis, the song, plays fast and loose with the inter-relationship of musical parts. There's a New Music feel here, where each individual "voice" being heard is more important than how they necessarily work together. Another personal favorite comes on Out Of The Furnace And Into The Fire; which could be the soundtrack to a Grog-fueled kitchen party. Try and sit still. Just try.

The only song on 2010 with a vocal line is Nero's Fiddle, and the vocal line essentially becomes inconsequential in light of the instrumental work (a shame, because the vocal is quite well sung). The mandolin creates the angst and ardor of a world falling down around itself while drawing from a well of sounds cooked in the Far East. The violin plays on blissfully unaware while producing its placid counter-melody. Ghostown is a distinct turnaround, losing focus, direction and theme before the midpoint of the song. The fact that this is all by design makes it no less difficult to hear. MandoMorphosis steps back one hundred years or so for Ed, a Southwest flavored serene theme with hints of a real Pop melody woven throughout. 2010 concludes with Cascadia Raga, a ten minute-plus track that waxes and wanes between Raga and Bluegrass, occasionally entwining the two styles into a hybrid that's as hard to imagine as it is to walk away from.

MandoMorphosis isn't your typical Mandolin collective (if the world typical can even be applied to such). The musical tastes and inherent curiosities of the musicians involved lead them down twisty, strange and sometimes dark roads. Not every trip is a treat, and there are a couple of dead ends along the way, but on the whole 2010 is an experience to grow on. I highly recommend 2010 for its varied musical styles and approaches, creativity and overall sound. MandoMorphosis has done very well for themselves.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about MandoMorphosis at http://www.mandomorphosis.com/. You can purchase 2010 as either a CD or Download from CDBaby.com.

Review: Assembly Of Dust - Some Assembly Required

Assembly Of Dust - Some Assembly Required
2009, Rock Ridge Music

Assembly Of Dust has gained a moderate amount of commercial success over nearly a decade together, but has quietly become one of the most respected bands in music circles. Primary songwriter, singer and guitarist Reid Genauer has a lyrical bearing that falls somewhere between Bob Dylan and Martin Sexton; the gritty everyman with a lyric voice reminiscent of a cross between Neil Young and Glenn Frey. Adam Terrell (guitar, vox), Andy Herrick (drums) and John Leccese (bass, vox) support the writing process by not only providing stellar backdrops for Genauer's songs but also help to shape and caress the songs into life. On July 21, 2009, Assembly Of Dust returns with what might be their most focused and compelling album to date in Some Assembly Required. This time around Assembly Of Dust brings some close friends and even some of their idols along for the ride, as no less than thirteen guest musicians can be found on the CD. Richie Havens, Keller Williams, David Grisman, Bela Fleck, Grace Potter, Martin Sexton and Mike Gordon are among the luminaries pitching in, but don't think this is a gimmick to draw in listeners. If anything, it's a testament to the type of music Assembly Of Dust has made all along that so many fine musicians want to participate in Some Assembly Required.

Some Assembly Required opens with All That I Am Now, a vocal duet between Reid Genauer and Richie Havens. All That I Am Now is a song of resignation; an acknowledgement of the burdens of time and experience and what they can do to us. The song is resigned but also self-confident, and the arrangement runs a wonderful line between Rock and Country that we'll call Americana for lack of a better term. Buffalo Killers Zach & Seth Gabbard help out on vocals for Pedal Down, a deliciously Eagles-esque California Country rocker. David Grisman sits in on mandolin for Cold Coffee, a classic sounding tune with harmonies reminiscent of CSNY. This is a great bit of songwriting; highly intelligent yet charmingly colloquial. Phish's Mike Gordon sits in on bass and background vocals for Arc Of The Sun. The melody here is highly memorable and lyric, providing one of the most enjoyable listens on the disc. Second Song is built around a vibrant riff from guest Keller Williams. If any song from the disc ends up in a movie or television show it will be this one. The pacing and melody are perfect for the big or small screen and the arrangement is highly accessible across genres.

Light Blue Lover is an interesting song about letting go, including an unfortunately brief cameo by the exquisite Grace Potter. My favorite song on Some Assembly Required is Edges, featuring Bela Fleck on banjo. There's a sort of synergy that happens between Assembly of Dust and Fleck that's magical enough to shine through the highly produced format that is a CD. Be sure to check out Revelry, with Martin Sexton on "electric vocals". Revelry walks the fine line between folk and blues, resulting in an intriguing acoustic arrangement. Assembly Of Dust pulls back for Straight, the only song on the album that doesn't feature a guest. There's a bit of classic country in this melancholic ballad with a melody that washes over you like a gently rising tide. moe's Al Schier brings a little bit of crunch to High Brow on guitar before Assembly Of Dust closes out with You Lay The Dust (Jeff Pevar guests). Also make sure to check out John Scofield's guitar work on Borrowed Feet.

Assembly Of Dust is respected for a reason. There's not much flashy here, but Some Assembly Required is some of the finest roots songwriting of the year thus far. In spite of the numerous guests, Some Assembly Required retains an essential character that wholly belongs to Assembly Of Dust. Make sure Some Assembly Required makes it onto your "to-do" list. You won't regret it.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Assembly Of Dust at http://www.aodust.com/ or www.myspace.com/assemblyofdust. Some Assembly Required hits store shelves on July 21, 2009. You can pre-order your copy from Amazon.com. Expect Some Assembly Required to be widely available for digital outlets as well.

Review: Bryan Clark - Gossip, Inspiration & Slander

Bryan Clark - Gossip, Inspiration & Slander
2008, Rainfeather Records

Bryan Clark is a true Renaissance man; a self-motivated, self-governed life-long learner and lover of music. With a Masters and Ph.D. in music, the singer/songwriter/arranger/session player and college professor seeks to understand himself and then the world through his music. Three highly successful bluegrass tribute albums with his band Honeywagon helped him learn the Bluegrass form (Sympathy for Bluegrass - A Tribute To The Rolling Stones; Grass Stains and Green Day, Bluegrass). Tiring of L.A., Clark relocated to Nashville, where he has released five successful and groundbreaking solo albums. Not one for the politics of Nashville or the traditional bent of Bluegrass, Clark works to bend genres and create new sounds from old. His latest album, the double-disc set Gossip, Inspiration & Slander, features an acoustic disc and an electric disc. With three songs shared between the two discs, listeners get a chance to hear the musical development of the creative process, but also get to hear the breadth and depth of Clark's stylistic range and talent. Clark's music has been featured on shows such as America's Next Top Model and Project Runway, as well as on networks such as VH1, FOX, ESPN and Oxygen.

The acoustic disc opens with Angelyne and a gorgeous, old-time country/bluegrass sound. Clark has a heart throb voice and the harmonies that surround him here just build an amazing aural canvas. The second track, Midnight Kisses is pure gold. The song has a great country sound with distinct pop sensibilities and a killer acoustic arrangement. The musicianship here is amazing. It’s one of those songs that stick in your head from the first time you hear it; you won’t be able to help yourself from singing/tapping along. Nights Like These is great pop country, but would benefit from an electric arrangement. Kiss The Bride is a bit of classic songwriting; a song about addiction and the choices people make. There is an implied inevitability to the song that is artfully told. For Predictions Of You, Clark explores a long distance relationship posthumously from the perspective of a man who can’t let go. The song walks the line between sweet and vaguely disturbing as the protagonist’s devotion becomes clear. The acoustic disc also features some fine instrumental work on Blackberry Blossom, Dom On The Saddlehorn, Midnight And The Harvest Moon and Bill Cheatum.

The electric disc gives a picture of the more commercial side of Clark, as well as an interesting stylistic tendency toward Texas Red Dirt Country. Two songs reminded me distinctly of Lyle Lovett in writing style. Bumper To Bumper sounds like it could be a Lovett outtake, mixing in the same wry wit Lovett is known for. Don’t Blame Me gets into some Texas-style acoustic blues, with song craft reminiscent of Lovett. This is the best song on both discs overall. That aside, I didn’t enjoy the electric disc quite as much as the acoustic. The sound here is solid and has strong commercial legs, but the musicianship on the acoustic disc is difficult to equal, much less top. The electric Angelyne just doesn’t live up to the acoustic version, and Midnight Kisses has a slick sound that will play well to Country radio, but loses a bit in the translation to electric instruments. Be sure also to check out The Way It Is, Nights Like These and All That Really Matters.

Bryan Clark is the real deal, a hard core country singer/songwriter with deep Texas roots who can play the commercial game but rights significant songs. Gossip, Inspiration & Slander is a classic, although I would recommend the acoustic disc first and foremost. Clark is an inestimable talent and this album could make him a superstar with the right breaks. Here’s hoping it happens. We need more Bryan Clark.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Bryan Clark at http://www.bryanclarkmusic.com/. You can purchase a copy of Gossip, Inspiration and Slander at CDBaby.