THE JAZZ MANDOLIN PROJECT
Xenoblast (Blue Note)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Better known on the jam band circuit than on the jazz scene, The Jazz Mandolin Project may be about to change all that. After all, there are few better ways to get noticed in the jazz world than signing with Blue Note, and the dynamic, improvisational style that made their reputation with the jam band fans is sure 'nuff jazz, no matter what it's played on.

The central figure here is Jamie Masefield, who puts the mandolin in the Project. Masefield is the only player who has appeared on all three JMP recordings, and he's the principle composer as well as instrumental front man, but it's important not to overlook either the importance or the ability of his compatriots, bassist Chris Dahlgren and drummer Art Hoenig. If they were playing behind a tenor saxophonist, nobody would doubt for a minute that what they are doing is jazz, and it's their ability to lay down a base for Masefield's adventures on an instrument that is, to put it mildly, unorthodox in a jazz trio, that makes the unorthodox seem somehow natural. Of course, it doesn't hurt that Masefield plays with stunning virtuosity and writes as well as he plays.

Jam band fans shouldn't despair, though. The Jazz Mandolin Project hasn't forgotten their faithful fan base as they reach out for new listeners in different quarters. To prove it, they invite Masefield's fellow Vermonter, Trey Anastasio of Phish, along to add his guitar to "Hang Ten." And jazz or otherwise, they jam their butts off from start to finish.

Track List: Xenoblast * Double Agent * The Milliken Way * Spiders * Jovan * Dromedary * Shaker Hill * Igor * Hang Ten

© 2000 - Shaun Dale