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Jeff Midkiff's Virtual Press Kit > Quotes |
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From reviewers … Midkiff has been a serious musician and educator for years. He's distinguished himself as a regular in various bluegrass groups, but until now hasn't had a solo podium to fully exhibit his technical virtuosity. His debut CD is a beauty, showcasing his clean, dynamic mandolin playing as well as his rich and tasteful approach as a fiddler. Midkiff authored six of the 10 selections, displaying an eclectic sensibility that takes the listener from good-time folkie rave-ups ("Grey Hawk") and traditional lyricism ("Goodbye Liza Jane") to more exotic realms ("Alhambra"). Midkiff also serves up Reinhardt-esque treatments of Tin Pan Alley standbys like "Summertime" and "Oh, Lady Be Good," then closes with a rousing cover of "Monroe's Hornpipe." 2003 is the year he stepped out into the limelight, and judging by this effort, it's about time. Midkiff is a superior instrumentalist who pushes the envelope. He plays with dynamics and intensity that make for a powerful listen. While impressively virtuosic as a soloist and songwriter, Midkiff has also managed to find three sidemen who perfectly complement his style. They include Curtis Jones on guitars, Robbie Link on bass, and Bill Ray on percussion. This all-star acoustic quartet lay their engaging music down right, and seven of the album's ten tracks span five minutes or more to allow each musician to showcase their own impressive talent. Any person who appreciates exceptional acoustic instrumental music will take to this album like a bear does to a honey tree. Wow! That's about it. There's a term these days that started out being quite descriptive because it was loose enough to cover those it needed to cover but has become tighter and tighter -- "new acoustic music." Jeff has restored the looseness to the term, making even the adjective, "new," ineffective, considering that composers George and Ira Gershwin and Bill Monroe are drawn on here in addition to Jeff's impressive originals. So what we have here is flat-out, straight ahead acoustic music, period, with Jeff on mandolin and fiddle, Curtis Jones on guitar, Robbie Link on bass, and Bill Ray on percussion. An important note: you can follow these melodies, even the tunes you're not already familiar with, although, if you play like me, you may follow from way behind. Rooted in bluegrass, but genre stretching, this debut project represents the signature style of this Virginia veteran. ... This project, represents a wide, tasteful and entertaining selection of mandolin possibilities, while not jumping out of the box to get there. Even the tunes that stretch the borders, keep one foot firmly on bluegrass soil. Well recommended for mandolin pickers especially. I've known Jeff for quite a few years. While playing with him in the earlier years of the Lonesome River Band, I knew then Jeff was a great talent. After almost 2 decades later, I had a great experience recording with Jeff again and seeing how much he has grown as a musician and now a songwriter. This is an eclectic compilation of material, not just bluegrass, not just swing, be bop, jazz, classical, but all these things as I knew only Jeff could accomplish. [Jeff] pushes the bounds of the instrument ... weaves his mando and fiddle lines into the actual fabric of the composition in a manner which captures both the wide ranging nature of the mandolin alongside the diversity of the material. And Midkiff exposes a plethora of global influence in his work through a series of ambitious original compositions. This is a music that lives and breathes. Partners In Time is an ambitious effort captures the intensity and joy that has always been a part of the progressive wing of bluegrass. I was highly impressed by the variety of musical character, the sheer virtuosity, and the generally high quality of musicianship on Jeff Midkiff's new CD project. This effort transcends genre and is just plain old great playing by any standard. From radio hosts … Thank you for the CD. I felt at times you sounded a little like Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. As my programme specialises in bluegrass music, I have logged the CD into the station library so that it has the opportunity to be played by a wider range of presenters. My wife said she would list the CD for playing on her show which is called Country Rhythm and she goes to air every Friday afternoon from 2pm to 4pm. We all value receipt of new music and I think it will receive quite some exposure. Thank you again and all the best with this project. Received your CD in the mail this week. Sounds absolutely wonderful! I've been playing that puppy in my car over and over. "Summertime" is a family favorite, best version ever. There isn't a track on here that I won't work into the playlist in the weeks ahead. I'll make sure fellow DJ gets the second copy. I know he will want to work a song or three into his show, as well. Many thanks for sending your new CD our way -- and what a ground-breaking, totally captivating, instrumentally excellent CD it is! I thoroughly enjoyed every track. I liked your originals, your sense of experimentation, creativity, the arrangements and, of course, the mind-boggling instrumental fireworks. Besides your searing mandolin and fiddle work, Curtis Jones was just absolutely phenomenal on the guitar -- I can't believe some of his work. You've done a remarkable job creating a number of widely different moods, tapping into a wide variety of genres in the process. Outstanding work. I'll be doing my best to spread the word here in Nashville and in our other syndicated locations. Thanks again. Thanks for sending me "Partners In Time" ... Very tasteful CD and I'll have it on the air this Friday. Your and Curtis' picking are a delight to hear. What a great CD. Will start playing on radio tomorrow. We need more of your type music here in Texas. My top compliments towards your '"Partners In Time" CD. Your unique and distinctive way with music is what I live for and the album on a whole really sticks to the ear bone. Will add to my traveling stash … and of course will be airing on my shows. I'm a huge fan of interesting instrumentals … and you write your own book. Very excellent. Thanks for the CD. … Let me tell you, I was quite surprised by the diversity of the overall project. I have had nothing but great comments from folks around here, especially those who enjoy something different. My son put it the best after we had listened to the CD, "It sounds kind of like David Grisman with more traditional influence and cleaner than most that try to." What I liked best is your "own" mandolin sound. … I have played mandolin for 22 years. … I truly enjoy someone with their own sound versus the imitator that most today really are, regardless of what they think. I have listened to "Partners In Time" and found it be both interesting and entertaining. My favorites leaned towards the more traditional cuts, "Grey Hawk" and "Monroe's Hornpipe," but I truly enjoyed "Oh, Lady Be Good" and "Summertime." I will get the project into rotation very soon. |
