Sony Classical has become ground zero for American bluegrass/classical projects from “Appalachia Waltz” to “Appalachian Journey” to “Short Trip Home”. (A few years ago, who would have predicted the success of not one, not two, but–at least for now–three albums dedicated to this kind of fusion?) The lynchpin for all these records is the talented bassist/composer Edgar Meyer, who straddles both worlds quite comfortably. Along with his activities as a bluegrass and country artist, he is a member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. In addition, Meyer penned a hugely enjoyable string quintet that he recorded for Deutsche Grammophon in 1998 with the Emerson String Quartet, paired with Ned Rorem’s String Quartet No. 4. (Look it up while it’s still in print.)
Neither is there any question about the level of artistry of Sam Bush or Mike Marshall, Meyer’s recruits from the bluegrass world. The real question here is how Joshua Bell can fare in their company, so far removed from the classical scene. With the exception of the somewhat more classically minded Concert Duo for Meyer and Bell (both the prequel and the work’s four movements proper), he’s very much on terra incognita, but he’s a fine musician, and he does indeed hold his own. The four sound as if they’re having a grand time.
The achingly sweet title track, which opens the album, points up the best aspects of this kind of collaboration–Bell’s innate lyricism highlights the tenderness of Meyer’s writing. The rambunctious “BP” and “Death by Triple Fiddle” are a lot of fun, and “Okay, All Right” is a sly, grinning Cheshire Cat of a tune. The sound is crisp and immediate, and the liner notes point out who is to be heard on which channel. That’s helpful guidance when you’re listening to the dueling fiddlers on “Death by Triple Fiddle”, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with Bush and Marshall.
