Re: Syncopaths and Ashley Broder
I listen to Five Gears all the time, great stuff. Their group is built for Contra Dance music so they have a lean and nimble sound. Fiddle firmly in the driver's seat with mandolin, piano and Bodhran all very easy to hear n the mix. Great rhythm and drive to even their non-dance-tempo tracks. Also a few songs with cello or other instruments added in for variety. Their wonderful singer Christa Burch is featured on several vocal tracks as well. Ryan McKasson has a fiddle tone I love, very round and warm. But as for mandolin, Ashley's tone and especially her touch and articulation are just about as good as it gets for my taste. Not like Bluegrass, it's a very different sound than a lot of people are used to hearing from mandolin. I really like it!
The first man who whistled
thought he had a wren in his mouth.
He went around all day
with his lips puckered,
afraid to swallow.
--"The First" by Wendell Berry
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