An enchanting sonic journey of impressionistic virtuosity
J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 04/17/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"String wizard Mike Marshall no doubt remembers when he was in his teens or twenties, and various musical mentors took him under their wings to provide guidance and tutelage. Of course, there's also the simple fun, reward and satisfaction of being able to say that you've helped young and gifted prodigies become discovered and directed towards long-lasting musical stardom. The new acoustic "Big Trio" collaboration of experienced veteran Marshall with up-and-comers Alex Hargreaves (violin) and Paul Kowert (bass) yields a bountiful reward emphasizing both spirited string expression and youthful exuberance. Mike Marshall lives up to his highly-acclaimed reputation for lyric, fluid playing full of tone and clarity on mandolin, mandocello and guitar. Mike hung out for a month with Alex and Paul to arrange these Marshall originals, with the exception of the intro to "Three Dragons" excerpted from a piece by Mikael Marin of the Swedish group, Vasen. On his own Adventure Music label, Marshall has previously released a full collaborative album with that group. If there's one primary observation about Big Trio's music, it's that all three of the nimble-fingered musicians play with individualism and fire. However, there's also a strong musical cohesion that belies their collective age or time together. Clever improvisations move from soothing and seductive lines to energetic and vigorous aesthetics. A fully-instrumental project such as Mike Marshall's Big Trio must be viewed in totality as an enchanting sonic journey of impressionistic virtuosity from beginning to end. All tastefully rendered, the amiable string conversations among three friends should be welcomed by all fans of exceptional musical creativity and panache. What a treat to see Mike Marshall partnering with and helping young talented musicians embark on their careers! We wouldn't expect any less from the stringed instrument phenom. I expect that Paul and Alex will be doing the very same in a few decades. (Joe Ross, Twentynine Palms, CA)"
Hat's off to Mike, Alex & Paul!
sprint | USA | 08/09/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Big Trio is great and definitely worth adding to your collection! The compositions are some of the best that Mike has ever done- stylistically, some of them will remind you of the Windham Hill days, his first solo album and his later work with Edgar & Chris-- but with a fresh twist to the arrangements- no doubt due to the contributions of Alex & Paul. Paul's bowing is exceptional and will undoubtably draw comparisons with Edgar since, let's face it, there aren't that many bowing bassists out there right now. Similarly, Alex can sound a lot like Mark O'Connor but still manages to add his own distinct personality to his solos. It's always a great thing when the people who have been recording for years & years decide to play with new talent rather than showing up on other veterans' recordings over & over and vice versa. Like the Dawg before him, Mike seems to have always been aware of this element and continues to expand our collective musical boundaries. Thanks Mike! It was great to hear the mandocello pieces! How about a cd or 2 dedicated to the mandocello--I think you are about the only person who could pull it off--"
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1