Track Listing

1. Future Man
2. Texas Red
3. Pink Flamingo
4. Duke and Cookie
5. One Winter's Night
6. Macedonia
7. Lochs of Dread
8. No Apologies
9. Slopes
10. Blue Men of the Sahara

Product Details

• Released on: 1998-03-24
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Dimensions: .20 pounds

Amazon.com essential recording
This acoustic supergroup joined forces in the summer of 1988, and the result was a true landmark in "new acoustic" music. As if bluegrass (and even "newgrass") was too constricting, the quintet--Sam Bush (mandolin), Jerry Douglas (dobro), Bela Fleck (banjo), Mark O'Connor (violin), and Edgar Meyer (bass)--incorporates classical-style themes and arrangements within the context of bluegrass instrumentation. Their unbelievable technique and musical ability was never in question; however, what makes the album special is the uncanny blend of precision and freedom, of improvisation and structure. Each of the 10 compositions were written by a different twosome (do the math permutations). Playful bluesy lopes ("Pink Flamingo") accompany tinges of reggae ("The Locks of Dread"), Celtic ("Macedonia"), and Middle Eastern ("Blue Men of the Sahara") music. There are urgent burners, somber mood pieces, and tender ballads, all delivered with grace. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews

What the funk?
In my opinion, this album is something really special, and what a great range of styles get covered! I would have liked to hear more energetic solos, but I think that these great musicians make up for that in the creativity of this music. There were jazzy tracks, traditional or classical tracks, and some really funky tracks with a real groove!

Still A "Must Have" Album
These 5 newgrass musicians simply are the best of the best *at* their best. Stop wasting time and buy this album! 'Nuff said.

they'll never be another one
If you like any of these 5 musicians alone doing solo material, then you'll love this remarkable recording. These 5 chaps were pretty much a house band in some form or another at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado in the late 80's. Usually a few of them play with various groups every year at the festival. This album is a great showcase for each musician's command of their respective instrument. I wholeheartedly disagree with the guy from Milwaukee who said it was lethargic and that the band needed to play together more. If he knew anything about music he would recognize the amazing interaction on this Cd.

The tracks range from fairly straight forward bluegrass-newgrass to strange folk music. O'Connors's guitar playing on "Slopes" is incredible. Meyer's bass solo on "Duke & Cookie" proves he's definitely at the top on the instrument. Douglas displays his talent on "No Apologies" which shows why he is the most recorded musician in history (more than 500 albums with various artists). Fleck and Bush are excellent on every track. The strength of this Cd is the interplay of the different songwriters and musicians. It is not simply one person's band. Sure, if you want traditional bluegrass there are better albums, but this album shines after 15 years. Take this album for what it is - 5 phenomenal musicians & friends getting together and jamming.