Under the Volcano

Stefan Grossman, John Renbourn | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 18, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Kicking Mule
• ASIN: B0000031KJ
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #396,565 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Idaho Potato

2. Medley: Sheebeg and Sheemor/Drunken Wagoner

3. Under the Volcano

4. Medley: Bonaparte's Retreat/Billy in the Lowgrounds

5. Swedish Jig

6. Water Gypsy

7. All Things Parallel Must Converge

8. The Blarney Pilgrim

9. Mississippi Blues No. 3

Editorial Reviews

Review

The material is a mix of traditional and original, the playing superb. Grossman and Renbourn combine their talents and mix of styles here to produce appealing instrumental music of rare beauty and taste. --AllMusic --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Product Description

On their duet records, John Renbourn and Stefan Grossman meet on the common turf of American blues and Celtic fiddle tunes and airs. Under The Volcano is collection of seven duets, including an extended four-part work for which the album is named, and one solo by each of the players, the album has what has come to be the characteristic sound of the duo. Reflecting what Stefan quite accurately describes as 'an interweaving of styles,' it is quite difficult, and somewhat pointless, to tell which of the two is playing the lead in most parts of the album. The original compositions are at once down-home and high-flown, brimming with contrapuntal funkiness, and the music manages to sound both loose and precise. Grossman and Renbourn contribute equally to the composition and arrangement of the traditional material. They aren't uptight about overdubbing or using the occasional electric guitar texture, either. But the lingering impression is one of crisp, snapping strings and air being moved by wooden-boxed guitars. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Two Diverse Backgrounds, One Terrific Album, December 2, 2000

By 

Steve Vrana (Aurora, NE) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Under the Volcano (Audio CD)

On the surface this may appear to be an odd coupling: John Renbourn, the British folk guitar player, and Stefan Grossman, the American who plays blues and ragtime. On this, their 1979 follow-up to their debut outing, they continue their partnership on seven of the album's nine cuts. They each also have one solo. John's is the spririted "Water Gypsy." Stefan's is the medley of "Sheebeg and Sheemor," played in a quiet English style, coupled with "Drunken Wagoner," where the pace picks up with a more aggressive style.

The album represents a merging of the two players' distinct styles. On the title track, it is Stefan playing the slide guitar part. On the medley of fiddle tunes "Bonaparte's Retreat/Billy in the Lowground," John fingerpicks the lead on the first song, where Stefan flatpicks the lead on the second. Whether its traditional fare like the lively "Swedish Jig," or the American blues of "Mississippi Blues No. 3" or original material like the haunting "All Things Parallel Must Converge," these two master guitar players complement each other nicely. All told, this is an excellent introduction into the music of both of these musicians. RECOMMENDED

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't understand why this album isn't considered a "must hear" classic, January 12, 2011

By 

J. Polak "Guitarsof Pikesville" (Baltimore, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Under the Volcano (Audio CD)

This is a great album. I used to have it on LP. There is Traditional Celtic, Blues and original material here all played with incredible style and spirit. This is simply one of the most enjoyable guitar albums I've ever owned. Not much flash here but great arrangements and compositions played with great touch and feel.