Bluegrass
Available on CD/Vinyl/Digitally
IN THIS EXTRAORDINARY CONCERT PROJECT BY THE WDR BIG BAND, TWO MUSICAL GENRES ARE ‘MARRIED’ WHICH, DESPITE THEIR MANY SIMILARITIES, HAVE SO FAR LED AN ISOLATED EXISTENCE: BLUEGRASS AND LARGE ORCHESTRAL JAZZ.
Anyone familiar with the bluegrass folk style, which originated in Kentucky and Tennessee in the late 1930s and early 1940s, will recognize elements of swing, blues and gospel alongside Country influences. Bluegrass also impresses with its vitality and danceability.
So, what could be more obvious than to try a fusion with big band jazz? Enthusiastic comrades-in-arms were quickly found. Bob Mintzer, chief conductor of the WDR Big Band, wrote the arrangements and two high-caliber virtuosos of modern bluegrass were recruited for the solo parts: mandolinist Mike Marshall and violinist Darol Anger. The result is an unusual mix of styles with many unheard and surprising moments.
Track List
- Slip and Slide [07:01]
- Elzic’s Farewell/Yew Piney Mountain [08:51]
- Down in the Willow Garden [09:13]
- Green Lawn [06:44]
- Emy in the Woods [07:36]
- Replace It All [07:00]
- In the Lion’s Den [06:50]
- Dexter [08:25]
- Borealis [08:52]
Credits
Ensemble: WDR Big Band, Darol Anger, Mike Marshall Director: Bob Mintzer
All arrangements by Bob Mintzer
(P) 2025 MCG Jazz
(C) 2025 MCG Jazz