One of the treats of MySpace is you often stumble across great but undiscovered musical treasures. Such is the case with mandolinist Ashley Broder and playing partner, Jamie Laval in their recent release, Zephyr in the Confetti Factory. Odd that Ash would have been a stranger to us, her reputation precedes her despite her ripe young age as Western Open Master Picker Champion (2003 and 2004), her service on the faculty of the Mandolin Symposium in Santa Cruz, CA, and of course her assistance with Mike Marshall in his five book series, Mike Marshall Methods.

We've had the privilege of writing a few words of praise for Jamie and Ashley's debut CD. This music is fresh and compelling, and though it isn't exactly jazz, it's worth a listen for anyone mandolinist to see what the instrument is capable in more intimate ensemble settings.

Be warned, these are unrelenting notes, magnificently performed, and you'll wonder how the two retain a mature, soulful hand midst the technical test. This is amazing stuff, but you won't think of it as just fast, challenging music.

You'll think of it as music.

Read the review: Zephyr in the Confetti Factory

Posted by Ted at June 10, 2007 5:22 PM