Mike Marshall’s Big Trio – Adventure Music

by | Feb 4, 2010 | Pop/Rock/World CD Reviews | 0 comments

Mike Marshall’s Big Trio – Adventure Music AMA 1051 2, 44:59 *****:

Mike Marshall is one of the most influential musicians and composers working in contemporary acoustic music. His latest effort, “Big Trio,” is a perfect example of why he is so important. The recording is a smorgasbord of musical styles, borrowing from bluegrass, folk, Dawg, jazz, avant-garde, new acoustic, and chamber music. Marshall, as the composer, blends all these styles together so completely that no single influence rises above the other, but comes together to create an interesting and engaging new whole. He borrows from the best available sounds from all over the world and refuses to be pigeon-holed into a single musical ghetto. The result—In the case of “Big Trio”—is an energetic and fresh collection of music that defies simple categories. The songs range from easy-going to challenging and I was frequently blown away by the technical prowess on display, which was easily matched by their emotive musicality.

The trio is made up of Marshall and two other players, Alex Hargreaves on violin and Paul Kowert on upright bass. Alex Hargreaves is a multiple award-winning violinist and fiddler. He was the youngest person ever to win the Grand Championship division at the National Oldtime Fiddler’s Contest in Weiser, Idaho. He is also a few years away from being able to vote. While Paul Kowert is able to vote, he comes from a fine background, having for a mentor Edgar Meyer, bass virtuoso and genius composer. Oh, and Kowert is also the youngest and newest member of Chris Thile’s group, The Punch Brothers.

All three players in this group are virtuosos, able to coax an infinite variety of tonal colors and textures from their instruments and showing no technical limitations whatsoever. The only thing that could limit their performances at this point is their imaginations, and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight in that regard. This is high caliber music from musicians at their peak. But then again, considering the people involved, maybe they are just getting started. Highly recommended!

TrackList:

1. House Camp
2. Little Bears
3. Three Dragons
4. Honey Bee’s Secret
5. Sleeping Giant
6. Back to the Castle
7. Boston Girl
8. The Princess
9. Sweets Mill

– Hermon Joyner

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