You've no doubt been following the latest incarnation of Paul McCartney's instrumental talents, his discovery of the mandolin. A perennial favorite singer/songwriter fave around the JazzMando water cooler has been cerebral-folk artist Jonatha Brooke, and to our amazement, she's recorded mandolin on one track (After the Tears) of her latest CD, the stellar "Careful What You Wish For."

A different version of this particular track was originally written for the movie "Because of Winn Dixie" with Jeff Daniels. Unfortunately it never made the score, but according to Jonatha, "I was soooo in love with the chorus that I kept chipping away at a way to make it mine."

A brilliant songwriter and amazing vocalist, she is noted for her clever use of alternate tunings on guitar; it comes as no surprise she would be attracted to the magic of the mandolin as well. We can only hope she continues to use and explore our eight-stringed wonder in her noble efforts to push new horizons in folk music.

Of course, the rest this CD is quite good as well. A refreshing submission for those who like turbo-charged "New Acoustic" music. Highly recommend!

Purchase information: Careful What You Wish For

Artist website: Jonatha Brooke

Her MySpace


Jonatha Brooke with Site Author Ted Eschliman,
Winter NAMM 2001

Posted by Ted at June 17, 2007 6:25 AM