3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Different, but I really like it, March 5, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: Plain Brown Suit (Audio CD)
I saw this band at a bluegrass festival in Minneapolis last weekend (March 3, 2001) and I couldn't help but buy their CD. I don't know how to classify this music except to say it is not bluegrass. Their bio says they play "original acoustic parlor music'. This does not begin to describe the energy and emotion in their music.
This band is a group of talented multi-instrumentalists and songwriters. They use all acoustic instruments including accordian, guitar, upright bass, ukulele, fiddles, mandolin, bouzouki, trumpet, dobro, and something called a manjo.
The male vocalist uses a high quavering falsetto that reminds me of old 78 rpm records of the 20's and 30's. The female vocalist has a beautiful alto voice. Of course, everybody in the band sings and it is great to hear a group who takes the time to arrange true 5 part harmonies.
The songs are diverse to the point of being eclectic. From the beautiful Karen's Wedding Waltz, the almost brazillian Sal-the Millionaire, the old-time sounding fiddle and banjo on See What A Gun, to the french cafe sound of Schwondle and a group of Klezmer songs that sound traditional (I am not a Klezmer expert!).
I am glad I found this wonderful group of musicians. I look forward to lisetning to this CD again and I am glad that I added it to my collection.
What is a Manjo, anyway?
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