MIKE MARSHALL
Mike Marshall & Choro Famoso (Adventure Music)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Recognized as a pioneer of new settings and voicings for the mandolin since his days in the original David Grisman Quintet, Mike Marshall continues his explorations with this collection of Choro, a Brazilian musical style similar in influence, if not in sound, to the status of bluegrass in the States.

To get his new sound, Marshall turned to some of the premiere jazz and Latin players in the San Francisco Bay area, including a five piece Latin percussion section. Reed counterpoints to Marshall's mandolin are key elements provided by Andy Connell and Harvey Wainapel on clarinet and sax. Carlos Oliveira and Jamie Bell chime in on 6 and 7 string guitars. Regardless of who or how many, though, the arrangements stay focused on the unique rhythms and melodies of the Choro style. Rather than bend the music to his needs, Marshall's arrangements are designed to make his instrument fit the music as though it had been composed for it.

The result is an album of typically breezy, sometimes sentimental, instrumental music that's as easy on the ears as it is stimulating for the mind.

Track List:

Um Abraco Seu Domingos * Cochichando * Sarau Para Radames * Receita De Samba * Choro Da Gafiera * Choro Negro * Espinha De Bacalhau * Noites Cariocas * Nao Me Toques * Luis Americano Na P.R.E. #3

© 2005 - Shaun Dale