While this recording has Mike Marshall’s name on it--and he was an instrumental member of
David Grisman’s
quartet--the presence of Chris Thile makes Into the Cauldron somewhat of an event. And
what an event it is. Recordings like this smack of a single element—virtuosity. Here are two
mandolin masters showing off in a duet style using vehicles ranging from Bach’s Goldberg
Variations to Charlie Parker’s "Scrapple From the Apple." The quality of the playing
makes it sound alien or divinely inspired. The two mandolinists choose a wide variety of
musical genres to make their point. Beautiful the Brazilian Baroque "Desvairada" and
lyrical "The Saga Of Harrison Crabfeathers." Lest one thinks the disc devoid of hoe-
downs, one must look no further than "Fisher’s Hornpipe."
Of the originals, "Stranded in Kodiac" is the most superb, finding Marshall playing
the mandocello. Both players employ string damping to great effect to make this an exciting
moment. The disc closes with a harmonic "Shamrock Shore," a piece that shows an
clear but unintuitive link between American bluegrass music and traditional Irish music. Into the
Cauldron is a beautiful recording--even if these two masters are showing off. More power to
them.
Visit Sugar Hill Records, Mike Marshall, and
Chris Thile on the web.
~ C. Michael Bailey
