With our AXPONA coverage behind us, I started this week more than ready to write about something else. So, I contacted Cookie Marenco at Blue Coast Music and asked her which of her artists needed a little love in the form of a review. Over the past year or so, Cookie has introduced me to several artists that record at her studio in Belmont, CA, and I continue to be amazed by their talent, so I wasn’t surprised by how much I enjoyed this album by some Blue Coast All-Stars.
Anyway, Cookie gave me a short list, but her first suggestion was a recording that has been doing well in the Blue Coast Records store, Blue Coast Instrumental Various Artists. Yes, it’s just what it says it is, 10 original and traditional instrumental songs by 8 artists. Believe me, it’s the songs and the artists that make this album stand out.
Now, before you start thinking that because this is instrumental music, it’s got to be highbrow, I assure you nothing could be further from the truth. For example, this may be one of the few albums where you can hear both a classic Steinway and some down-home bass banjo picking.
Frankly, this is a group of friends that got together and had a great time. Next thing you know, they made a record. And yes, they are all very, very talented. Combining as the Blue Coast All-Stars for the opening number, the group is aptly named because individually they are each a star in their own right.
Fiona is Always a Joy
Let’s start with Fiona Joy Hawkins and her 1885 Steinway piano that is simply luscious in two numbers on the album. A few years ago, Will Ackerman, founder of Windham Hill Records, said of Fiona, “One of the brightest lights in contemporary instrumental music, Fiona Joy is poised to move into stardom.” I’d say she’s made that move. After her album, Story of Ghosts, was released, she added numerous significant awards to her already lengthy list of accolades. I interviewed her at the California Audio Show last year and reviewed that album. Oh, and she’s also a very talented painter, and one of her paintings is on the cover of this instrumental album.
Contrasting Styles
It’s the contrast in musical styles that ensures this album isn’t ordinary. For example, Tony Furtado is an award-winning singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who is best known for bluegrass and American roots music. He contributes his own sound with two numbers on this album.
Also contributing a couple of tunes, Derek Jones is an Indiana boy who made the trip South to my hometown of Nashville, TN where he honed his musical chops and songwriting ability with country-rock among other things. My favorite song on this album is one of his, “Li’ D’s Hen House Blues” where he does a fine impersonation of chickens. I kid you not, and you’ll enjoy it. Thanks, Derek, for making it fun!
Three equally diverse and multi-talented artists contribute one song each to the album. John R. Burr, a singer-songwriter known for combining jazz with his love for folk music, makes the piano sing with a beautiful melody, “Lullaby for Linus”.
Alex de Grassi is a Grammy Award-nominated American fingerstyle guitarist from a musical family. In fact, his cousin, William Ackerman, founded Windham Hill records. While you might not walk away humming his tune, “St. James Infirmary,” it is a hauntingly beautiful number.
Art Lande, a Grammy Award-nominated jazz pianist who is considered one of the premiere improvisational jazz pianists today contributes the final number, “Ancestors d’Italia.”
Where to Get this Album
As an instrumental album, this one is intended as wonderful background music for a gathering with friends. Now, that’s appropriate since it was done by a group of friends. Masterfully recorded to DSD256 at Blue Coast Studios, it is available in multiple download formats. You can find it here if you would like to add this album from Blue Coast All-Stars to your collection.
