Search - Alison Brown :: Simple Pleasures

Bridget S. (Vassar) from PLYMOUTH, IN
Reviewed on 4/23/2009...

As you can see from under the credits, Alison's band is basically the David Grisman Quintet, with Alison Krauss and Mike Marshall. The styles on this cd range from tune to tune. The second tune, Leaving Cottondale is a nice traditional-sounding bluegrass banjo tune, while Daytime TV is purely Dawggrass. Overall, I really enjoyed this older Alison Brown cd. Rating:9/10

GRISMAN PROJECT.

Michael J. Jennings | 03/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"IF YOU LIKE DAVID GRISMAN'S "DAWG MUSIC" THIS RECORDING IS FOR YOU. THIS WAS RECORDED IN HIS STUDIO IN MILL VALLEY, CA AND MOST TRACKS FEATURE CURRENT AND FORMER MEMBERS OF HIS BAND. THE SOUND IS TYPICAL DAWG MUSIC, SORT OF JAZZY BLUEGRASS. SEVEN TRACKS ALSO FEATURE THE FIDDLE OF ALISON KRAUSS. AT THIS TIME (1990), HER BAND (UNION STATION) FEATURED ALISON BROWN ON BANJO."

Superb Instrumentation; Scripted Arrangments

Michael J. Jennings | 08/27/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In many respects, this is a wonderful CD. The melodies are catchy, and the players--particularly Brown--are out of this world. There is, however, a scripted quality to the music--as if we're being treated to orchestral arrangments where each player is dutifully following the sheet music, as opposed to the more improvisational ethos I enjoy in other bluegrass. (Perhaps it's just a personal preference.) That said, I've played this album consistently when I've had dinner guests, and it never fails to draw raves from the visitors. It's a different sort of instrumental CD, and they always love it. I recommend it."