Mandolinist Butch Baldassari and Dulcimer Legend the late David Schnaufer joined forces for a new CD of duets showcasing traditional music of the Appalachian Mountains. "Appalachian Mandolin and Dulcimer" is a program of ... more »14 tunes performed on a variety of mandolin and dulcimer family instruments. "No overdubs here!!!" exclaims Baldassari, "just straight ahead live playing". David Schnaufer described the CD as "...a musical conversation performed on vintage and contemporary instruments in settings to showcase the rare archaic harmonies of these joyful, lonesome and eternal themes".« less
Mandolinist Butch Baldassari and Dulcimer Legend the late David Schnaufer joined forces for a new CD of duets showcasing traditional music of the Appalachian Mountains. "Appalachian Mandolin and Dulcimer" is a program of 14 tunes performed on a variety of mandolin and dulcimer family instruments. "No overdubs here!!!" exclaims Baldassari, "just straight ahead live playing". David Schnaufer described the CD as "...a musical conversation performed on vintage and contemporary instruments in settings to showcase the rare archaic harmonies of these joyful, lonesome and eternal themes".
CD Reviews
Old Time Poetry in Motion
Just Loves Books | Southern US | 01/15/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"David Schnaufer, a national dulcimer champion brought the dulcimer to the Nashville scene. Dulcimer means "sweet sound" and it's never sounded sweeter than when played by David Schnaufer. Combine that with Bruce Baldassari and you've got a winning combination. Bruce can play the mandolin like no other. I had the opportunity to hear these two together in concert, and I've never heard such a wonderful sound as the dulcimer and mandolin played together by these two masters. This may be heavenly music at it's best. It sure would have the angels singing, clapping, and stomping their feet."
Beautiful and Timeless
Craig Spirko | Jacksonville, FL USA | 03/08/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Too often instrumental music by skilled musicians is strong on musicianship at he expense of poetry. This release is rich in both, with beautiful aural landscapes portraying a range of thought and emotion. This version of Wayfaring Stranger reaches a desolation few vocalists have ever found, and Pretty Saro sounds like the wind through cenuries. Much glee, warmth, and romp throughout, with Wolves-A-Howling a personal favorite. An echo from the past, yet as immediate as your heartbeat today. Highly recommended."
Happy and Bright songs to lift your spirits
C. Chu | 11/29/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a historical recording by Butch Baldassari and the late David Schnaufer featuring duets arranged for mandolin and mountain dulcimer, showcasing the traditional music of Appalachia. Most of the tunes are happy and upbeat. My favorites are: June Apple, Black Mountain Rag, Muddy Roads and Flop Eared Mule.
There is also a very unique Wayfaring Stranger, so haunting and moving.
This is a true duet, and neither mandolin nor dulcimer dominate, but instead compliment each other in a conversational style. Warning to mandolin players: you'll want to get a dulcimer after you hear this album.
The sweet sounding dulcimer, tickling the ear, coupled with mandolin artistry and the droning (bowed dulcimer) makes this an Appalachian feast to enjoy time and time again."
Fabulous!
Wheat Elder | Southern Illinois, USA | 09/03/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Being a new fan to Bluegrass thanks to David Davis and the Warrior River Boys, I wanted to find some music that was strictly mandolin. In my search I found Mr. Butch Baldassari and his incredible music! A find it was! I needed to go no further in my search and highly recommend any of Mr. Baldassari's work! I bought three that day (this one, Mandolin Hymns, and Duets for Mandolin and Guitar) and love them all. This CD is invigorating and a truly incredible showcase. Mr. Baldassari is fighting an inoperable brain tumor. Purchasing this CD would be a great way to show him and his family support. It's a joy to have!"
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1