The album's opening track, "Slip And Slide," begins with a classic burst of big band energy. Then Mike Marshall makes his presence known, and the adventure begins. He delivers some really nice work on mandolin here. He also wrote this one, and it was included (in a very different setting) on the Darol Anger & Mike Marshall album Woodshop. This track also features a wonderful, warm lead on saxophone by Karolina Strassmayer. It really builds in energy in that section. Darol Anger delivers some beautiful stuff as well. But it is Mike Marshall at the heart of this one, moving it forward in bright colors. The combination of big band and bluegrass elements is compelling and unusual without feeling at all forced or disjointed.
The band then tackles some traditional music, combining "Elzic's Farwell" and "Yew Piney Mountain." This one is fun from the start, with a delicious bluegrass vibe delivered with the power of a big band. Smiles all around, I imagine; certainly on the faces of those who are listening. "Ezlic's Farewell" is a piece that Mike Marshall recorded for Third Journey, an album he did with Caterina Lichtenberg. And "Yew Piney Mountain" was included on the Mike Marshall And Darol Anger With Väsen album. On this track, we are treated to excellent leads by Johan Hörlén on saxophone and Ruud Breuls on trumpet. There is a good deal of joy in that groove by Dominik Raab on drums and John Goldsby on bass. And I love when Darol Anger's violin takes charge in the second half. There is a fantastic energy here at moments, so be prepared for your body to demand you dance. This is an outstanding track. It is followed with another traditional piece, "Down In The Willow Garden," which opens in softer, gentler territory, with promises of something blooming within, the violin offering something soothing, like taking us back to a home perhaps more of our imagination than memory, but one we all wish for, where we are all welcome. I also love that work on piano supporting Darol's lead. This track also features a great lead by Bob Mintzer on tenor saxophone, like sunlight dancing upon that home and its surrounding land. There are some cool moments too, perhaps as evening comes and this place becomes a jazz club. That saxophone work is so good, and I'm digging that supporting bass line. The track then ends gently. This is a song that Mike Marshall and Darol Anger previously included on The Duo Live At Home And On The Range.
"Green Lawn" was written by Bob Mintzer, his sole composition on this album. As he mentions in his portion of the liner notes, this track represents his "virgin foray into the bluegrass realm." The big band elements are still emphasized here, though there is plenty of room for Mike Marshall to deliver some great work on mandolin. Then, a couple of minutes in, it takes on a good dance rhythm. There is so much joy here. Darol Anger has a chance to exchange licks, and thoughts, with Mike Marshall in the second half of the track, and there are great swells of energy from the band. We then get the first of two tracks composed by Darol Anger, "Emy In The Woods," which Marshall and Anger had previously recorded for Da Capo. It has a kind of playful opening, and Darol delivers some really good work almost immediately, introducing the tune's theme. This is a totally enjoyable number. And check out Andy Hunter's lead on trombone, taking that theme into somewhat different territory. Bob Mintzer provides some delightful work on EWI. And toward the end, Mike Marshall delivers an excellent lead on guitar. Throughout the various leads, the music here never strays too far from its center. That is followed by the second composition by Darol Anger, "Replace It All," which begins with a cool percussion section, then comes alive with great bursts from the brass section. There is a good energy to this track, and the beat is an important element here. The violin lead has an appealing edge to it, getting loose. That is when this track takes on the feel of a delicious jam, soon featuring some wonderful work by Jeremy Powell on tenor saxophone. This is one of my personal favorites, in part because of that jam.
The album's last three tracks are all written by Mike Marshall. The first of the three, "In The Lion's Den," has some strong work on mandolin from its start. There is a pleasant vibe to this track, one that leaves you feeling good and kind of relaxed, even as the music builds in power at moments. Paul Heller delivers a strong lead on tenor saxophone. Then "Dexter" begins in firm bluegrass territory, with the big band adding some great touches early on before then pulling things more into its world. At that point, we are treated to a wonderful lead by Billy Test on piano, with a fairly strong groove beneath it. Bob Mintzer takes over on saxophone, driving things forwards with a good deal of both power and joy, taking us along on the ride. The band jams on the groove for a bit, leading to some great stuff on violin. This is another piece that was previously included on Da Capo. The album concludes with "Borealis," which begins beautifully with Mike Marshall on guitar and grows from there. This is one of those pieces of music that remind you how extraordinary it is to be alive at all and to appreciate the many wonders and beauties around us, and even our own motion. What a perfect way to wrap up the album. Now turn off your cell phone or laptop and go outside.
CD Track List
- Slide And Slide
- Elzic's Farewell/Yew Piney Mountain
- Down In The Willow Garden
- Green Lawn
- Emy In The Woods
- Replace It All
- In The Lion's Den
- Dexter
- Borealis
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