Aperçu: New Classic Banjo Project
Big Round, 2023
8/10
Listen to Aperçu: New Classic Banjo Project
The banjo innovator Michael Nix defies convention with this banjo focused listen, where creative folk and classical styles are spread out across 10 very detailed pieces.
“Koromanti” starts the listen with the very melodic and warm progressions flowing with much grace, and “Barton Cove” follows with a more firm presence that mesmerizes us with its plucked precision.
Further along, “Keningale’s Mystery Serenade” is indeed mysterious and manipulates space and mood precisely, while the title track uses 5 chapters to emit much emotion, sophistication and adventurousness in the very diverse techniques.
Closer to the end, Jim Dalton’s “Overcome” is both dreamy and radiant in its strategic calmness, and “Spanish Fandango Variations” finishes with a cozy, cultured approach that’s lovely, charming and memorable.
Essentially crafting a new genre of New Classical Banjo, Nix has us rethink all the possibilities of his instrument, and it makes for a very interesting listen.
Travels well with: Laurence Sherr- Fugitive Footsteps; Vincent Ho- Sandman’s Castle