Customer Reviews

Dawgnation

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you are like me and you are usually interested in the various other Acoustic Disc projects more than the David Grisman Quintet studio albums then this is the DGQ cd for you!

This cd is excellent and is easily the best of all the Acoustic Disc DGQ studio albums. For starters, this version of Dawgnation (the tune) is vastly superior to the Garcia/Grisman version on the 3-disc box set, DGQ-20 (a box set completely worth owning). This performance of this tune is, in my opinion, one of the highlights of the entire recorded career of the David Grisman Quintet (of any incarnation).

Aside from the highlights of the DGQ-25 band's 1 concert performance in 2001 I have always sorta felt that the best DGQ stuff happened in the '70s and early '80s but with this new album all those thoughts were erased. It's been a while since I heard this incarnation "live" and this album has proven to me that it's time for me to check them out again.

This definitely stands near the top of the DGQ studio output. If it weren't for the whistling in one tune (there should just never be whistling in a song) and the fact that I don't really like the tune for the Eakle-Grisman duet I'd give this cd 5 stars.

I almost didn't buy this one, thinking "Nah I don't need to hear another new DGQ album" but I am so glad I did! This is one of my favorite cd's of the year so far.

Hot dawg! Dawgnation is simply dawg deluxe, smothered with all the musical trimmings. Grisman and company really know how to cook. It's especially nice to hear the virtuostic interplay on the four duets: "Mr. Coolberg" (mando/flute), Why Did the Mouse Marry the Elephant? (mando/bass), Desert Dawg (mando/percussion or violin), and Argentine Trio (mando/guitar). The all-original songs are arranged in such a way as to always keep you guessing what surprises are around the next measure of melody. Dawgnation has its share of travelling tunes, with their large dosages of irresistibly infectious energy. You can hear many genre influences in Dawg's music, from Gypsy to Swing, Middle Eastern to Latin, Bluegrass to Big Band. Collar this DAWG, and add it to your collection! -- Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now

"Dawganova" was one of the best C.D.s ever recorded; however the David Grisman Quintet has surpassed their own superiority with "Dawgnation". Each musician's growth, versatility and mastery of his instrument is showcased in each of the songs. Any one who enjoys beautiful music will love this C.D. And any one who has ever played a musical instrument will appreciate the perfection with which each song is interpreted and presented. The addition of whistling, dog barking, and rhythym singing would seem to be "hokey", but again their genius proves that -hand made music - can be the best. No full symphony orchestra ever sounded better and most not as good. Buy this C.D. for yourself and 1 more for someone you love.

David Grisman is a National Treasure, and has been one since at least 1976 with the release of his groundbreaking album, The David Grisman Quintet. Since then he's released scores of albums, many of them on his own Acoustic Disc label, that explore or document his influences, which are many and varied, but the Quintet remains home base for him, and is where he achieves his greatest success. This album is the latest release by the Quintet, and it is a gem. Enough said.

Great Mandolin playing, great songwriting...
Favorites include Mr. Coolberg, bluegrass at the Beach, Argentine Trio, and Slade.
Not very similar to "Shady Grove" and "Not for Kids Only" which I would also reccomend but still an awesome album
Buy it!

"Dawgnation" finds the David Grisman Quintet back in fine form, playing like the seasoned pros they all are. The songs have a loose-limbed feel to them, sort of a musical yoga that sets the mind free. The collective talent here serves to coax the best from the band, and the little things mean quite a bit: creative bits of percussion, an unexpected twist to a melody, the interplay of various instruments in some inspired duets.

The music is greater than the sum of its parts, part jazz, part klezmer, large does of bluegrass, and expansive percussion, and a few dog barks that get my Aussies' attention if they are along for a ride.

Detractors might argue that there is nothing new here, but that's a shallow criticism. If there is a fault, then I would peg the sometimes excessive fiddle playing that causes me to cringe a bit (sorry, but too much fiddle is just not my thing in any genre).

Put this CD on while you are driving some sunny afternoon, and watch the clouds swirl around. You will swear they are moving in syncopation to the backbeat here.