One hears so many different musical influences within
David Grisman's self-described "dawg" music that it wasn't surprising that he joined a number of excellent musicians from the fields of classical, bluegrass, rock, and jazz for this somewhat obscure date recorded for the tiny (and likely, now defunct) Cymekob. The music within this disc includes traditional American songs, country, and Texas swing. Classical violinist
Daniel Kobialka (at the time of recording principal second violinist with
the San Francisco Symphony) is as much at home with this music as former
Grisman fiddler Mark O'Connor (who is not present on these sessions). The guests include
Grisman's longtime bassist,
Jim Kerwin, and guitarist
Enrique Coria, son Monroe Grisman on guitar, bassist
Edgar Meyer, banjo player
Tony Trischka, and
Jerry Garcia, to name just a few. The touching interpretation of
Benny Thomasson's "Midnight on the Water" and traditional favorites like "Barbara Allen" and "Wayfaring Stranger" are just a few of the many high points of this CD. Snap this one up before it becomes a high-priced collector's item. ~ Ken Dryden