STEVE SPURGIN'S "Folk Remedies" has been released. It is now available from Elderly Instruments (Elderly.com), and copies in disc and download formats will very soon be available from CDBaby.com, Amazon.com, and other conventional retail and electronic outlets.Pre-release orders are now available from Elderly Instruments (Elderly.com), and post-release copies and downloads will soon be offered by CDBaby, Amazon.com, and many other conventional retail outlets. We recorded it at The Parlor Studio in Nashville (thanks again to engineer John Saylor for a great job), with the able assistance of Jim Hurst (guitar) and Missy Raines (upright bass). Mixing and mastering were done by Eric Uglum at New Wine Sound Studio in Apple Valley, California (thanks Eric --- you went above and beyond).
This man is a journeyman folk singer. He has a beautiful voice and is a gifted songwriter. From the hundreds of songs he sent us, we selected twelve. Each is a gem. I guess we “rediscovered” John in some ways, and we’re just amazed that the world has not yet had the pleasure of experiencing his genius. For “Hangtown Fry” John wrote all the songs, sang all the parts, and played all the instruments. Welcome to Blue Night Records, John. We’re very proud you’re with us.
DAN CRARY and THUNDERATION is Dan's newest sound fusion ensemble, and the amazing music just keeps flowing. This time Dan has partnered with long time friend and musical comrade, singer/songwriter Steve Spurgin, as well as power hitters Don Stiernberg (mandolin), John Reischman (mandolin), and Keith Little (banjo, mandolin). Also adding sparkle and creativity are the up and coming Luke Dewhirst (banjo) and Martin Stevens (fiddle). The approach is fresh, yet remains fully grounded in American roots music. “PERFECT STORM” is simply Dan Crary at his best.
Acclaimed solo outing from bluegrass veteran and former Byron Berline & California member Spurgin, with a handpicked slate of all-star studio buddies: Dobro ace Rob Ickes, Swiss luminaries Uwe and Jens Kruger, mandolinist Adam Steffey and bassist Rusty Holloway. Ten Spurgin originals plus John Malcolm Penn's "Sasquatch" and Gordon Lightfoot's "Song for a Winter's Night".
An all acoustic, all instrumental collection of swing classics featuring improvisational interplay among mandolin, guitar and upright bass --- all played by recognized masters of their instruments: Don Stiernberg - mandolin; Jeff Jenkins - Guitar, Rusty Holloway, double bass.
Don Stiernberg is widely acknowledged as one of the world's foremost jazz mandolinists. He is also a terrific guitarist and a fabulous singer. In "Home Cookin'," Don's fifth release on Blue Night Records, he wears all three hats. Once again joined by bassist Jim Cox, and with contributions by some of Chicago's hottest session guitarists and percussionists, he offers up musical dishes tinged with blues soul, Brazilian spice, and other exotic ingredients.
John Carlini is a guitar master. In "Further Adventures," the first recording to focus exclusively on his exquisite solo guitar work, John sets forth (with Jim Cox - bass and Phil Gratteau - drums)a collection of jazz and contemporary standards. John's own composition "T for Me" is also included. This all-instrumental, stunningly recorded album of laid back, acoustic jazz would be a fitting addition to the music collection of any acoustic music fan.
It's all Gershwin. It's all instrumental. It's all acoustic. With "By George" virtuoso Don Stiernberg and stellar guitarist John Carlini show what those instruments can do in the right hands.
Don and John initially set forth George's melodies as written, then engage in playful improvisation while being ever respectful of the musical integrity built into the original manuscripts. Their renditions are modern, yet with an eye toward a time when Gershwinesque chordal excursions were new.
Laid back jazz standards done in an elegant, acoustic ensemble setting. That's what you get with "Angel Eyes." Master mandolinist Don Stiernberg and journeyman guitarist John Carlini are the perfect team to present these classic tunes with style, grace and melodic counterpoint. Against a rich rhythmic texture woven by bassist Jim Cox and drummer Phil Gratteau, Don and John breathe new life into these jazz gems.
More straight ahead acoustic jazz from virtuoso mandolinist Don Stiernberg. In an acoustic ensemble setting (guitar, bass, drums), he proves once again that the mandolin is a force to be reckoned with in the jazz idiom. Don's lyric phrasing and textural chord progressions speak volumes about his mastery --- not merely of his chosen instrument, but also of the great American songbook.
"About Time" is Don Stiernberg's inaugural release on Blue Night Records. David Grisman called it "Another Milestone for Jazz Mandolin." It is a delightful mix of tunes from a bygone era, painting various images for the listener --- from a mild summer evening dancing in the moonlight (Polka Dots and Moonbeams) to a steamy night in the back of the old Chevrolet (Fever).
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