We'd like to send out a word of congratulations to our friends in the Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra for their 5th year as an organization. The 40-member ensemble will present its Anniversary Concert on Saturday, October 13, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bellefield Auditorium, 315 S. Bellefield Avenue on the University of Pittsburgh Campus in Oakland.

Joining them will be original co-founder Alan Epstein who recently relocated to Brighton, Michigan. (Alan has been a frequent guest of mandolin innovator, Don Julin and the Neptune Quartet, and teaches at Eldertly Music in Lansing.) The group draws its repertoire from early 20th century pieces especially composed for mandolin orchestra, light classical music, ethnic music of countries where the mandolin is central in the folk tradition, experimental pieces written by contemporary composers and American folk music. Members range in age from 12 to 88 years old.

Website: Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra

Mandolin Cafe Article: Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra Celebrates 5th Anniversary

Posted by Ted at 07:52 PM

September 28, 2007 | Bill Bussmann's Oval Nation

Amazing stuff from the prolific bench of Old Wave Mandolin's Chief Elf, Bill Bussmann, a crop of recently harvested Oval A instruments. We've been huge fans of the New Mexico builder for several years, having owned at one time, one of his magnficent Old Wave Oval Mandolas, and of course, current stock Solocomp JM Alto Guitar/Jazz Mandola 4-string.

Click for close up of standing Oval-ation

How does he make so many good ones so fast? Gotta be related to Santa Claus in some way...

Builder's website: Old Wave Mandolins

JazzMando Builder's Showcase

Posted by Ted at 06:36 AM

September 26, 2007 | DPM Tees

Fall is fell, but there's still a few days of T-shirt weather left in the globe's northern latitudes before picking goes indoors entirely. The "Dogs Playing Mandolin" JazzMando signature shirts have been a real hit at festivals, and if you haven't picked up one of your own, no better time than now.

White (short-sleeve) double-stitched fabric Hanes "Heavyweight", in pristine white 100% Preshrunk cotton, double needle sleeves and hem with shoulder to shoulder tape, the shirt is as comfortable as it is a conversation piece:

Click picture for close-up

Purchase information: JazzMando 'Dogs Playing Mandolin' T-shirt

Have a cool picture wearing yours? Let us know!

Posted by Ted at 05:33 AM

September 23, 2007 | And your point is?...

We love following the work of North Carolina Builder (Oregon expatriate) James Condino. We had the privilege of reviewing a couple of his ground-breaking instruments last year in our Builder's Spotlight feature. He's recently taken on the chore of writing a regular column for Mandolin Magazine; never one to rest on his laurels, he's working on a new project, a "point-less" F5. He reports, "The working name I'm using for it is the J5 Dorado, as in Bossa Dorado, one of my alltime favorite songs by Dorado Schmitt. The nerdy specs are: 10 year old red spruce top, striped ebony (macassar) sides, headplate front and rear, neck stripe, fingerboard and fittings, western bigleaf back, neck, and bindings."

Delicious, and we can't wait to see what ground-breaker he comes up with, Meantime, we have a photo of his jig, and hope to give a few more shots as it progresses. Though a "scroll" usually isn't our thing at JazzMando, you can count on a Condino scroll to tantalize!

Builder's website: J Condino

Read review: Green Cricket & African Blackwood mandolins

Posted by Ted at 08:49 PM

September 21, 2007 | Swinging with Dix

We weigh in with our latest book review, Dix Bruce's "Gypsy Swing and Hot Club Rhythm for Mandolin." This fabulous book and CD combination is a rich opportunity for any eight-stringer ready to broaden accomplished Bluegrass/Folk horizons into string jazz. If you're already somewhat familiar with the fretboard and playing fiddle tunes, this is your gateway into the Gypsy treasure solidified and popularized by Django Rheinhardt and Stephane Grapelli.

Dix explains his strategy of taking more familiar Bluegrass chords as a starting point, "Mandolin is not universally recognized as a 'jazz instrument.' When I interviewed Tiny Moore in 1978 he told me about the unbelieving looks he'd get when he hauled his 5-string to a "jazz" jam. Not only did they not think he could play anything they'd dig, far worse in their heads, they thought he was a country player. They changed their minds after a few notes!

"Couple that with my experience of almost 40 years of teaching where I have very rarely if ever taught an intermediate or advanced mandolinist, or anyone interested in jazz or swing, who did not come out of the bluegrass, country, folk mandolin tradition. They are, as far as I can tell, about 99% the audience for this type of book and I wanted to give them at least a few chords that were familiar. Let them relax into things a bit. There may be players out there who start out on mandolin with jazz interests and sensibilities but I sure haven't met them!"

Read review: Gypsy Swing and Hot Club Rhythm for Mandolin

Read more artist and book reviews: Spotlight on New Artist Recordings and Books

Posted by Ted at 05:32 AM

September 19, 2007 | John McGann's Gypsy Jazz Extensions Concert

From Berklee Professor John McGann, a terrific concert opportunity for you New England Gypsy Jazz enthusiasts, September 29th at the Parish Center for the Arts in Westford, MA. John McGann's Gypsy Jazz Extensions plays in the traditions of improvisation exemplified by the great Belgian Gypsy innovator Django Reinhardt. McGann is known for his versatility from traditional Irish and Bluegrass to Jazz. He has worked with The Wayfaring Strangers, The Boston Edge (Joe Derrane and Seamus Connolly) and Celtic Fiddle Festival. Joining him will be members of the group Sinti Rhythm, also Django specialists.

John McGann's Gypsy Jazz Extensions with John Soref, Alexis Olsen and Matt Ambrose of Sinti Rhythm

September, 29 2007 8:00 PM
Parish Center for the Arts
10 Lincoln St.
Westford, Massachusetts

Doors open at 7:30 PM (978) 692-6333
Members $12; Non-members $15; Teens $5; Children 12 & under, free.
Concerts Sell Out Quickly -- Get Your Tickets Online Today!

Concert and ticket information website

Posted by Ted at 12:41 PM

September 17, 2007 | Fernwood

We've had the privilege of a sneak preview of an acoustic project by Fernwood, the collaborative efforts of two veteran string musicians and film score contributors, Gayle Ellett and Todd Montgomery from Malibu, California. Between the two of them, instruments featured include an intriguing mix of guitar, Irish and Greek bouzouki, sitar, mandolin, ruan, oud, cumbus, harmonium, guitar, mandolin, gimbri, rababah, up-right bass and Rhodes piano.

According to their MySpace page, they describe themselves as "Experimental, Folk, and Psychedelic," and this pretty well nails it. The 10 song demo we received is absolutely enchanting, a brilliant mix of interesting textures and layers of exotic acoustic timbres.

We'll keep you posted on the release of the new CD, but until then, visit their MySpace page for a tantalizing taste of otherworldly aural delight.

MySpace: Fernwood

Posted by Ted at 09:37 PM

September 15, 2007 | Orien MacDonald Luthier

Innovative New Mexico acoustic instrument builder Orien MacDonald recently showed up on our radar. Our itch for the unusual has been scratched in a big way with the introduction of his model-o mandolin among an inviting nest of archtop guitars, vihuela, viola, cittern, oud, and an eccentric contraption beyond imagination called a "can-jo-tar."

MacDonald's sense of line is both classic and otherworldly, "Gone with the Wind" meets "Aliens." Through the dramatic cosmetics though is a core of homage to building tradition, the finest of domestic hardwoods, and a successful 15-year history of working wood and steel.

A trip to his website is well worth the time. We're hoping to get our hands on one of his fabulous creations for a review soon.

Visit website: Orien MacDonald Luthier

Posted by Ted at 10:42 AM

September 13, 2007 | ArchJazz Mando

We're always on the lookout for the unconventional, especially when a jazzbox guitar body is the inspiration. We mentioned North Carolina builder, Thomas Durr of Doc's Mandolins earlier this year with his Frankenstein contraption deflection jig. With a little coaxing, we hope to get one of his ArchJazz latest instruments into the JazzMando Laboratory soon for a little poking, prodding, and of course picking...

Some neat pics, including his cutting edge 'Offset X' top bracing:

Click for closeup

Builder's Database entry: Thomas Durr

Check out other great craftsmen in our Builders Spotlight.

Posted by Ted at 11:58 AM

September 11, 2007 | Djangofest Northwest 2007

For all you Pacific Northwest Djangophiles, on Sept. 19-23, DjangoFest returns to Whidbey Island for a five-day festival celebrating the music and spirit of the great French/Belgian Gypsy guitarist, Django Reinhardt. The premier "Gypsy Jazz" festival in the western hemisphere, Djangofest Northwest is a unique opportunity for Gypsy Jazz fans, players and enthusiasts from around the globe to congregate in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and attend an extraordinary series of concerts by top internationally renowned players. In addition, expanded workshops are being offered to both guitarists and violinists, giving them the opportunity to learn from the masters. There will be numerous impromptu djam sessions popping up wherever one turns, as the entire village of Langley, on beautiful Whidbey Island, just a ferry ride from Seattle, gets into the swing of things.

Artist line-up includes: 3 Leg Torso, Andreas Oberg, Annie Staninec, Billet-Deux, Dan Hicks, Early Swing Now, Fishtank Ensemble, Hot Club Pacific, Hot Club Sandwich, Howard Alden Gypsy Project, Ivan Pena, Jeremie Arranger, Kruno, Lache Cercel and The Roma Swing Ensemble, Larry Coryell, Mathieu Chatelain, Norig, Pearl Django, Pete Krebs Trio. Robin Nolan Trio, Sammo Miltich, Sebastien Giniaux Trio, and Swing Papillon.

Even though there is nothing mandolin specific in the clinics, it sounds like a lot of fun.

Ticket information: Djangofest Norhtwest

Sponsor: Whidbey Island Center for the Arts

Posted by Ted at 05:39 AM

September 09, 2007 | Jethro for Sale

We don't normally mention "diamond in the rough" mandolin deals, but there's a sensational Rigel 'Jethro' mandolin just entered in the Mandolin Cafe Classifieds by our friend, New York acoustic musician, Michael Zuch. Seems he's experienced the same dilemma we have, the acquisition of a Mix A5, has totally upstaged the prominence of even the best of our own toys.

The Jethro had to be one of the coolest in the Rigel premium line prior to the demise of the company. No financial interest in this one, but if it hasn't sold already, we think this one's a steal at his asking price of $3750!

Check Michael's Cafe Ad: Rigel Jethro

Read more about the Jethro.

Posted by Ted at 02:23 PM

September 07, 2007 | Mel Bay Turns 60

We're big on Mel Bay Publications. It's astounding to think how many of the world's guitarists got their start from a Mel Bay book, or teacher who started with MB the last six decades. You'll rarely find any current player without come some connection to the pedagogy powerhouse. From the World War II era when the guitar was making its entry into Big Bands (Mel Bay's Orchestral Chord System for Guitar), through Elvis and the Beatles, the Mel Bay method books have had a major impact on the prominence of the guitar in the last half of the 20th century.

We're thrilled, of course, with their excursion into other instrument studies, including jazz, rock, and classical guitar, fiddle, piano, harmonica, accordion, and mandolin. We've enjoyed working with Joe Carr and the MandolinSessions.com crew and look forward to the release of our own Mel Bay book, "Getting Into Jazz Mandolin" early next year.

Read the Jim Salter AP article: Mel Bay Still Teaching Music at 60

Visit MandolinSessions.com

Read back issues of Jazz Mandology

Posted by Ted at 06:06 AM

September 05, 2007 | Josh & Frank

Wicked cool video from the Frank Vignola Quintet with new addition, mandolinist Josh Pinkham. We met Josh and his father Jeff back in 2003, and ran into him again at the Winter NAMM show earlier this year where he alluded to this newfound collaboration (as well as an upcoming recording).

Witness the blazing string pyrotechnics for yourself:
The Frank Vignola Quintet: Luke
The Frank Vignola Quintet & Joscho Stephan: The Fly Swatter
The Frank Vignola Quintet: Funky Monkey

Great stuff, Josh!

Artists' Websites:
Josh Pinkham
Frank Vignola

Posted by Ted at 10:04 PM

September 03, 2007 | Jonathan McClanahan

New (to us, anyway) the work of Tennessee luthier, Jonathan McClanahan. An accomplished mandolinist of thirty-plus years, the builder has guitars on display at the Smithsonian, and well-known for his ability in cosmetic enhancements that make his world-class instruments yield an intense vintage aura, he's fashioned instruments for such celebrities as are Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Chet Atkins, Ted Nugent, Kiefer Sutherland, Will Smith, Peter Frampton, and Joe Perry.

From the builder, "I use Herringbone trim on my mandolins which gives it an exquisite look with an 'Old World' appeal. I do all the intricate metal engraving, graduations, scraping, chiseling etc... by hand. Only premium tone woods are used such as highly flamed Curley Maple for the back, sides, and neck; Red Spruce for the top and tone bars; Ebony is used for the fingerboard and Peg head overlays. From the mathematics of the air chamber to the 'Patented' Head stock design and on to the elegantly shaped F-Holes, The McClanahan mandolin has all of the attributes that sets it apart from manufactured mandolins."

Gallery (click for close-up):

McClanahan has developed three unique models of mandolin, The Trinity, The Via Dolorosa, and The Decending Dove. Elderly Instruments currently has one of his Trinity models available for sale. For more details: McClanahan Trinity 30-year Aged

Contact: Jonathan McClanahan

Phone: (615)557-3342, or (615)294-1630

Posted by Ted at 07:57 AM

September 01, 2007 | Grammy Nod for Hamilton de Holanda

Special congratulations to our friend Hamilton de Holanda for his recent Latin Grammy nomination for Best Instrumental Album, Adventure Music label, "Brasilianos" which was released in the summer of 2006. It is the the 32 year-old Brazilian mandolin genius's first running for the prestigious award.

Quoted in All About Jazz, "I am thrilled to be nominated," said De Holanda, speaking from Rio."It is a personal honor and it also acknowledges the new generation of young virtuoso musicians who are mixing the best Brazilian spices into a universal musical pot," he continued. "Maybe the best way to define what we are all doing is 'modern is tradition,' since we strive to remain true to the many artists who have inspired us, such as Hermeto Pascoal, Egberto Gismonti, Baden Powell, Pixinguinha, and Villa Lobos."

Read JazzMando Review: Brasilianos

Read All About Jazz article.

Posted by Ted at 06:43 AM