Celebrating the 30th anniversary of creating his unique "Dawg Music," mandolinist
David Grisman's long running quintet has one significant personnel change on this studio date for Dawg's Groove: the replacement of percussionist/fiddler/mandolinist
Joe Craven (who launched a solo career) with the return of drummer
George Marsh.
Grisman's recordings have infrequently included a full drum kit, but
Marsh's sensitive touch fits the leader's demands perfectly, though his explosive trade-offs in
Grisman's opener "Limestones" prove he's not present just for background work.
Marsh also contributed the tender ballad "Waltz for Lucy" (written in memory of his daughter).
Grisman's superb musicianship seems to get even better over time, while he also wrote a number of new compositions for this session.
Matt Eakle's playful flute remains a focal point and he composed the catchy, brisk
samba "My Friend Dawg." Bassist
Jim Kerwin, the longest tenured sideman in the quintet, along with guitarist
Enrique Coria, a fine addition in 1994, also make important contributions to the
Grisman sound. The closing track, "Blues for Vassar," is more of a sensitive
waltz in tribute to the late fiddler
Vassar Clements, who joined
Grisman in various projects by
Old & In the Way. Up to his usual tricks, the mandolinist adds a bonus untitled hidden track, as well. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
