★★★★★
David "Dawg" Grisman's instrument of choice-the mandolin-may be closely associated with the sounds of the hollers of Kentucky, but the music he makes is a globe-trotting amalgamation of jazz, classical and ethnic elements. It's earned him a deserved reputation as one of the most eclectic musicians around, one who has a loyal following that reaches almost cult proportions at venues around the world. On Dawgnation Grisman he doesn't disappoint by straying from his mission...
- www.jazztimes.com
2010-02-19
★★★★★
Initially, I took this jazzy Western bluegrass concoction for an acoustic variant on one of those session superstar instrumental LPs. But where it's the tendency of a band like the Section, for instance, to sound self-satisfied, as if getting stuck that deep in a groove were a spiritual achievement, this music is always sprightly, inquisitive, and surprising. Lightweight stuff, you say--I say it's airy.
- www.robertchristgau.com
2009-07-10
★★★★★
While mandolin master David Grisman and the equally talented guitarist Tony Rice may be better known in the world of bluegrass, jazz fans need to check out Tone Poems, an excellent collection of mandolin/guitar duets, performed with different vintage instruments on each track. The improvising by both men is never less than brilliant, transforming traditional folk tunes like "Grandfather's Clock" and "I Am a Pilgrim," plus the unlikely "O Solo Mio," into masterpieces...
- music.aol.com
2008-08-27
★★★★★
The David Grisman Quintet's eponymous debut was a stunning achievement, capturing a pivotal point in newgrass history. It was a record that opened up new rhythmic textures and instrumental textures, specifically new, jazzier ways to solo. Grisman -- who wrote the majority of the compositions -- arranged each number as a way for his quintet to shine instrumentally, as a way for each musician to demonstrate their innovative skills...
- music.aol.com
2008-08-27
★★★★★
When this album was released in 1982, a number of interesting things were happening or were about to happen to the core members of Here Today. Mandolinist David Grisman had already defined his own style of bluegrass-inflected acoustic jazz that he had dubbed Dawg Music (after his own nickname). He was also on the verge of releasing several increasingly experimental albums...
- music.aol.com
2008-08-27
★★★★★
On the album cover, Retrograss is defined as "music shifted back in time," a direction that -- while not impossible to conceive -- is mildly shocking considering David Grisman's relentlessly progressive approach toward traditional styles. Alas, democracy still rules at Dawg Studios, and with John Hartford and Mike Seeger signing on, it comes as no surprise that this collection is a step back in time -- old time, that is...
- music.aol.com
2008-08-27
★★★★★
A more traditional country and bluegrass album than his "dawg" sessions, Rounder issued this Grisman session in 1988. He's playing with J.D. Crowe, Ricky Skaggs, and Doc Watson, among others. There's little jazz here, but there are some superb bluegrass, country, and folk selections, plus marvelous playing.
- music.aol.com
2008-08-27
★★★★★
This CD marked the beginning of mandolin master David Grisman's own label, giving him the complete freedom he had sought so long to record as he wished. His continuously fascinating blend of elements of jazz, gypsy music, and bluegrass with additional influences help all ten compositions remain fresh after numerous hearings. The campy "Learned Pigs" and the delightful "Hot Club Swing" (with the obvious flavor of Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grappelli) are among the many strong tracks...
- music.aol.com
2008-08-27
★★★★★
David Grisman doesn't stick exclusively to mandolin on this top-notch duo date with guitarist Martin Taylor, playing mandola, mandocello, tenor guitar, and guitar as well. As on this album's predecessor, the two artists play a different vintage instrument on each track, though the music this time is much more familiar to jazz fans. The interpretations of such classics as "Swanee," "Anything Goes," "Blue Moon," and "Over the Rainbow" are consistently both stunning and fresh...
- music.aol.com
2008-08-27