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I just saw this duo at the BRPAC in Hendersonville, NC. They were great! Ashley's F5 almost didn't need a mic, it projected so well... it was a 100-seat theater, though.
What do you guys call a mix of celtic, jazz, and old-time? I can't pin it down, but celtic doesn't have that jazzy dissonance that these two love.
If you have the opportunity to see these folks, do it, you won't be disappointed.
Ari
I don't know what you call that style, but there is a recording of Broder/Laval on the MP3 page on this site in the Celtic section, "Paddy, Jenny, and The Boys." It's awesome. Some of the smoothest mandolin picking I've ever heard, I think.
I got to see them at the Symposium, they were great live with wonderful energy.
I saw a set they did, near the end of the Mandolin Symposium in Santa Cruz last June, and their performance stood out for me! Wonderful mandolin playing! We heard of course lots of fine mandolin playing during the week, but for me, her playing was some of the most moving. And good duo playing.
Nick Royal
Santa Cruz, CA
To add to what Nick said, not only are they really fine players, they have a great stage presence and develop a report with the audience. They pulled us in at the Symposium and, as a result, they were the only act during the evening concerts that were brought back for a second encore.
Pete
So it wasn't just me... these folks are *good*.
I emailed her and asked her how she gets such an even volume between the four courses when she's picking... she tells me that that's one of the things she practices at when she's alone. As a B/I player I think I'll make that part of my routine too.
Ari,
It isn't just you. They are definitely that good.
Pete
And she's a really nice person as well.
Any cds available?
Steve
Yep.
Check out Ashley's web site for ordering info.
Pete
I studied with Jamie for a week last summer at Swannanoa in Scottish fiddle. He and Ashley got a standing ovation at the instructor's concert. They are both wonderful individuals and as a couple just blow your socks off. I highly recommend their CD; Zephyr and the Confetti Factory or something like that. Ashley's picking is almost too lyrical and clean to believe. Was playing Paddy on the Railroad earlier tonight and thinking about them. Thanks for the topic. Bink in Sopchoppy
I was blown away by them at the Symposium as well and I agree...they were simply amazing.
I hope to see them next week here in San Diego. I'll post you with a review...
Just to add my two cents.
I agree that both are phenomenal players. I have heard them a couple of times, have Jamie's solo album, and try to catch a private lesson from him (and I've had one from her) when they come through Atlanta. They are warm, friendly and accomodating.
I think the mixing of the styles comes from the fact that Jamie built his early success playing celtic music; mostly Scottish, but with Irish and Breton thrown in. He's a national champion Scottish fiddler. When he got hooked up with Ashley (both musically and socially) he discovered that she was a national champion mando player coming from the bluegrass style. I think they have tried to fuse the two so that each has their own voice in the duo.
Both are superlative instrumentalists. One lesson I'll always remember came from noticing Ashley practicing. She's constantly using a metronome. I thought "If SHE still uses one, why do I think I don't need it!"
I'm off to order the new CD now!
Cheers!
Just grabbed this CD off itunes. Simply incredible. I can tell this one will be getting lots of play time.Quote:
Originally Posted by (mandohack @ Nov. 21 2007, 06:42)
Just bought it on iTunes also. Thanks for the heads-up!
I've been struggling to figure out how a mandolin can sit under a fiddle as a duo, without stepping all over the same pitch (not that I'll ever, ever be THAT good!), and this is very inspirational.
I love this album. I haven't seen them live yet but she is one of my new favorite mandolin players. Wonderful tone, and some of her rhythm playing is very interesting.
They will both be instructing at Swannanoa Gathering at Warren Wilson College next summer for anyone interested in a week long treat! I plan on attending again if possible. Bink in Sopchoppy
I can't stop listening to this one. REALLY good stuff. Way more fiddle than I thought there would be, but I like it a lot. The guy can make that fiddle do anything.
I am going at least to the Fiddle Week of Swannanoa this year. Looking at the schedule though I'm tempted to just be there all of July and stay for Celtic and Old-Time, haha.