By DM96074
25-Sep-2012

Brand New MMQ!  

The term "Americana" has been used for everything from the title for a Don DeLillo novel to a radio marketing term for otherwise uncategorizable singer-songwriters. In their latest recording, the Modern Mandolin Quartet proposed their own definition and continued their successful blending of the familiar and the unexpected.

Their performances of the folk melody, Shenandoah and the Irish Roots Medley (as well as the live concert favorite, Bill Monroe Medley) speak to their knowledge of 'home-grown' American music, while their arrangements of Aaron Copland's Hoedown and the previously recorded Cool by Leonard Bernstein seem to make even these modern 'standards' more accessible.

However, the real strength of this record lies in their rendering of Dvorak’s "American" string quartet (No. 12 in F, Op. 96) and String Quartet No. 3 by Phillip Glass, both played with the taste and timing, dexterity and dynamics one has come to expect from this group. George Gershwin's Three Piano Preludes, like the Glass composition, further allows them to exhibit that rarest of all musical qualities and the one sure sign of genuine virtuosity, imagination.

From folk songs to film scores, Americana by the Modern Mandolin Quartet proves, once again, the depth and diversity of American music and demonstrates the truth of the old adage that good musicians may play music well, but great musicians bring it to life.

Highest possible recommendation - 10 out of 10.

- Oscar O. Veterano
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