Search - Reischman, Miller :: Bumpy Road

...and 1/2....Great rhythm, creativity, respect for traditio

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 11/24/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Playing Time - 42:01

SONGS - 1. The Bumpy Road, 2. Kenny's Gone, 3. Pacoca, 4. Danza, 5. The Path Downhill, 6. Wind Song, 7. Snake Eyes, 8. Three Lions, 9. Pedro Padilla Medley, 10. Don't Wake Me Up



Hang on tight. "The Bumpy Road" has plenty of twists and turns. However, with guitarist John Miller and mandolinist John Reischman in the drivers' seats, we can be assured that we'll arrive safely at our final destination. Along the way, we might visit Central America, Ireland, Cuba, Puerto Rico, South America, and Paris. Largely original material characterizes the smooth, dreamy album from Miller and Reischman. "The Bumpy Road" is their second duo project and was released in 2002. A bit different than their first release, "The Singing Moon" (1998), this CD has both musicians equally sharing the soloing and improvising. Also, "The Path Downhill" features the vocals of Koralee Tonack. There are no weak cuts on "The Bumpy Road," but some personal favorites are those that either really challenge the pickers...or result in a musical bonding that reaps bountiful rewards. Miller's "Danza" and Reischman's "Snake Eyes" and "Three Lions" are good examples. Besides using their nimble fingers, these guys clearly know how to be astute listeners to each other too. Celso Machado's chorinho "Pacoca" and Miller's jazz waltz "Wind Song" make the intricate notes and techniques sound so very effortless. We know that great skill and exertion are need to do it all so right, and we even hear a few grunts of concentration. The only slight criticism I have of "The Bumpy Road" is that this type of music would have a much fuller sound with a little low end as in having a hot upright bass player in the session, especially to complement the mandolin's rhythm during guitar breaks.



Expect plenty of flair, festivity and fun while on "The Bumpy Road" with Reischman and Miller, two outstanding musicians who share similar admirable qualities -- great rhythm, creativity, respect for tradition, and sense of humor. Isn't it about time for this duo to give us another set of grooving, memorable tunes? (Joe Ross, staff writer for Bluegrass Now, Roseburg, OR)

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