Telluride Sessions
This acoustic supergroup joined forces in the summer of 1988,  and the result was a true landmark in "new acoustic" music. As if  bluegrass (and even "newgrass") was too constricting, the quintet--Sam  Bush (mandolin), Jerry Douglas (dobro), Bela Fleck (banjo), Mark  O'Connor (violin), and Edgar Meyer (bass)--incorporates classical-style  themes and arrangements within the context of bluegrass  instrumentation. Their unbelievable technique and musical ability was  never in question; however, what makes the album special is the uncanny  blend of precision and freedom, of improvisation and structure. Each of  the 10 compositions were written by a different twosome (do the math  permutations). Playful bluesy lopes ("Pink Flamingo") accompany tinges  of reggae ("The Locks of Dread"), Celtic ("Macedonia"), and Middle  Eastern ("Blue Men of the Sahara") music. There are urgent burners,  somber mood pieces, and tender ballads, all delivered with grace.--Marc Greilsamer