Into the Cauldron

Amazon.com
Listening to Into the Cauldron, a collection of mandolin duets by Mike Marshall and Chris Thile, can be a frustrating experience--in the best possible way. It's definitely not the playing. Marshall, a veteran of such seminal acoustic bands as the David Grisman Quintet, and Thile, the mandolin wunderkind of Nickel Creek, sound better than ever. No, the problem is in the variety of styles on display. After hearing Marshall and Thile dance across the strings on "Fisher's Hornpipe," you'll wish this CD was a collection of fiddle tunes. When they trade licks on "Scrapple from the Apple," you long for more bop tunes. Their too-brief version of one of Bach's Goldberg Variations only whets your appetite for a mandolin version of the complete composition. And the duo's original tunes seamlessly blend elements from all of these styles, and more, as if mixing James Brown's rhythms, Bill Monroe's melodies, and Stravinsky's harmonies is the most natural thing in the world. Listening to Into the Cauldron is frustrating because it's only one CD, and Marshall and Thile obviously have more than enough musical ideas to fill a dozen more. --Michael Simmons

Tracks:

Harvest Time
Desvairada
J.S. Bach: The Goldberg Variations
Scrapple From The Apple
Fisher's Hornpipe
Stranded In Kodiak
The Saga Of Harrison Crabfeathers
Hey Ho!
Something Quite Trifling
What A Blast!
Shamrock Shore

Amazon.com

Listening to Into the Cauldron, a collection of mandolin duets by Mike Marshall and Chris Thile, can be a frustrating experience--in the best possible way. It's definitely not the playing. Marshall, a veteran of such seminal acoustic bands as the David Grisman Quintet, and Thile, the mandolin wunderkind of Nickel Creek, sound better than ever. No, the problem is in the variety of styles on display. After hearing Marshall and Thile dance across the strings on "Fisher's Hornpipe," you'll wish this CD was a collection of fiddle tunes. When they trade licks on "Scrapple from the Apple," you long for more bop tunes. Their too-brief version of one of Bach's Goldberg Variations only whets your appetite for a mandolin version of the complete composition. And the duo's original tunes seamlessly blend elements from all of these styles, and more, as if mixing James Brown's rhythms, Bill Monroe's melodies, and Stravinsky's harmonies is the most natural thing in the world. Listening to Into the Cauldron is frustrating because it's only one CD, and Marshall and Thile obviously have more than enough musical ideas to fill a dozen more. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews:

Astounding virtuosity.......2005-06-05

If you're stuck in old-time or blugrass mando playing, this CD is NOT for you. If, however, you love the mandolin and are eager to hear it explored in all its facets, this IS the recording for you. Bach, Charlie Parker, and a hornpipe thrown in for good measure. And you'll love Mike Marshall's deep-voiced mandocello playing. (I've already pulled out my instrument catalogs to check the prices on this unusual instrument.) This CD will be in my player for some time to come.
To be balanced, I have two problems. First, there's a tad too much reverb or "distance" in the sound. The liner notes say that it was recorded at a studio, but then talk about "Acoustic space enhancement" being done at some Congregational church. Does this mean that they played the recording in the church, and re-recorded it as it was being played? That's goofy. If that's what they did, they should stop. Whatever they did, they should stop and give us clear, up-front sound.
Second, the total running time is 45:51. With the ever escalating price of music, I expect a full CD's worth of tunes.
But actually, if I didn't stop to write this review, I might not have thought about these problems. The CD is playing right now, and it's incredible. I WILL buy more Marshall and Thile, and I'll do it soon.

Amazing but..........2004-11-24

this is definitely not background music--it is the New Acoustic
equivalent of the Hellecasters or Vai/Satriani/Malmsteen etc:
Fast, flashy and technically outstanding. I find this music to be
overwhelming and don't listen to it much. The instruments are
not close mic'd as in most New Acoustic music. It sounds more
like a classical music recording (the "sound of the room" ie.
natural reverb, is very present). I think this dilutes the
sound and makes it less immediate.

Soul Reviving.......2004-01-07

I was so astounded when I got to see these amazing men play together in Redwood city at the Little Fox Theater. Their music is so pure and true that it does true justice to bluegrass. And not only is the cd remarkable the men are amazing souls themselves. I met the two of them and Chris has such a beautiful soul. Their humble look at music is refreshing to see in someone I idolize. They are human heroes, they don't get enough credit for such masterpieces. This cd is a tribute to any living person able to hear and breathe music. Thanks for another hit guys. You two are remarkable together!!

Masterful and innovative, but with a few flaws.......2003-12-16

This CD is a collection of original works and covers by diverse artists. The styles include classical, jazz, celtic and unique variations on progressive acoustic forms. Once you've sorted out who is playing (Chris on the left, Mike on the right), you begin to recognize the elegant, frenetic and a bit more subdued playing of Chris Thile and the louder, less precise and some would argue fuller tones of Mike Marshall. Many of the compositions are exceptional. However, the acoustics feel a bit distant as if you were in a room with too many echoes to be optimal for acoustic listening. I felt there was too much strumming, but this is a slight gripe. Also, in the interest (apparently) of trying everything you can do with mandolins, there is an excessive amount of banging and thudding. Some of this works. Some of it seems like noise. Overall, there is a lot of genius to enjoy on this progressive acoustic collection.

Masterful, but with a few flaws (part deux).......2003-12-05

One thing about this CD that takes some getting used to is the apparent journey Chris Thile is on. His early records (ages 13 and 16) are amazing and melodic to a fault. As he grows up, he is obviously experimenting and stretching his tastes to the more "progressive" side: more dissonance, less melodic. This album has some ragged edges that may be disturbing to those of us who listen to his first 25 published songs (on Leading Off and Stealing Second) and are amazed at the variety, clarity and vitality of them. "Not all that Wander" balances melodic writing with more complex forms. It is superb and a bit more "grown up." But where is he heading now? I'm going along for the ride, but I hope his more melodic composing days are not fading as he grows up.

Music Album:

Music Album