Darol Anger and Mike Marshall
Brand New Can

Review by Steven Stone
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CD Stock Number: Compass Records 7 4296 2
www.compassrecords.com

 

  Eventually, it seems, most superlative pop and country musicians turn to playing jazz. Both Darol Anger and Mike Marshall started off their careers as bluegrass pickers, but Brand New Can reveals that they are both now solidly acoustic jazz cats. From the opening notes of "Coal Burnin' Grease Fire" it is obvious that these guys are here to cook. This opening tune reminds me of something that Return to Forever might play if the electricity got cut off. Smokin'.

Joined by label owner Alison Brown on banjo, Derek Jones of bass, and Aaron Johnson on drums, percussion, recorder, kazoo, and water bottles, Darol Anger plays violins, while Mike Marshall is responsible for mandolin, steel and nylon string guitars, celloguitar, and ouditar (whatever that is). Brand New Can was recorded at Mobius Studios in San Francisco through an all-analog chain which included Neumann mikes, a Neve board, and a 15 IPS Studer tape deck. David Luke mixed to 24 bit digital, and Ken Lee did the final mastering. It has got seriously succulent sound.

If you think that acoustic jazz is for wimps eating quiche for brunch you need to hear Brand New Can. Here is manly music that will put more hair under your armpits.

Enjoyment: 95

Sound Quality: 95