When it comes to adventurous modern string music, mandolinist Mike Marshall has all the right credentials. Bursting onto the scene with the David Grisman Quintet in 1978 at the age of 21, Marshall has been a popular recording and touring artists ever since, performing with other notable artists like Chris Thile, Darol Anger, and Edgar Meyer. Stylistically, he ranges from bluegrass and traditional folk music to jazz and choro.
Likewise, Turtle Island Quartet has been making waves since 1985 as innovators in modern chamber music, incorporating elements of contemporary American music into this classical format. Bluegrass and folk fiddle music have often found their way into the quartet’s original music.
Now, Marshall and the Quartet have joined forces for a new, self-titled album, due on March 18 from Adventure Music. It includes original compositions from Mike and Turtle Island founder/violinist David Balakrishnan, plus pieces from Brazilian composers Egberto Gismonti and K-Ximbinho. Darol Anger also contributes an arrangement of Robert Johnson’s Crossroads, scored for mandolin and string quartet. Long time Marshall fans will likely be looking forward to this collaboration’s take on his Gator Strut.
The label describes the music as “Indian/bluegrass, Celtic/country, contemporary classical/Latin,” which sounds intriguing, to say the very least.
Look for Mike Marshall and the Turtle Island Quartet wherever you purchase your music later this month.
