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This is a band that you have to see live also. As is with all JMP's album, this is a must buy. It makes the album listening a ten times better experience. Great album. Jamie is just a plain flat out a great musician.
This is just as good as their other albums if not better. I just grabbed this CD a couple of weeks ago to give it another shot, and it has grown on me tremendously. These guys are amazing, check them out live too. When I first listened to this album I thought it was decent, but put it away for several months. I usually opted for "Tour De Flux" over this album.
Of course, live shows are the best context in which to exerience this band. Though the tunes are not as instantly endearing, the album improves after repeated listening. JMP finds plenty of time to jam in the context of the tunes, but also locks into some very tight, funky grooves (check out 'double agent', 'dromedary').
I don't think that this album has the melodic strength of Tour de Flux, nor are the songs quite as engaging. The only other criticism I would have is that Trey Anastasio's guitar work is not used on a better tune. Having enjoyed 'tour de flux' for a few years and seen JMP live, I was happy to hear some new music of theirs.
"hang ten" is basically a rhythm workout without any real solos.The minor negatives out of the way, this album does feature some amazing musicianship and playing. Recommended. This album upon first listen does not have a tune like "flux", "nimbus" or "country down" that grabs the listener immediately.
Likewise, the drumming of Jon Fishman, which is absolutely incredible on "tour" is missed on this album.
The songs on this album certainly are a great teaser to their live shows. I was really impressed with this album. TOTALLY worth your money. And the crafty composition combined with the technical poficiency of Masefield is incredibly impressive. Jamie Masefield's compositions all vary- ranging from the rocking title track, the jam-bandy "Milliken Way", to the compositionally profound "Igor" to the silliness of "Hang Ten" the late night jam with Trey Anastasio. I have seen these guys live a bunch and they really build the songs to an awesome level when they are playing together (especially the trio of Dahlgren, Hoenig and Masefield).
Like hearing an Eric Dolphy on mandolin- Andy produces sublime, eccentric, joyful pyrotechnics with guitarist Steve Carlini and a Weather Report alumnus on percussion. Garrison. If your interests run toward the mosh pit and you're looking for riffing rhythms- free from sentimentality- for hopping up and down- this is for you. Like Xenoblast , it's neither Bill Monroe bluegrass nor David Grisman mambo nor Paul Glasse swing but something indescribable to those who appreciate it. Texas Valley, Georgia This is one jam-happy group and well recorded at that.Unfortunately if your interest is in jazz and mandolin- there's one recording that must be heard to comprehend its potential. Andy Statman's Flatbush Waltz (Rounder Archives 2006).
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