Joe Craven
CAMPTOWN
Acorn 011
visit Joe's website
also avaliable on Amazon
Versatility is the dominating word to describe this disc. Multi-instrumentalist hardly begins to describe Joe Craven. Perhaps he is best known for his performances with Jerry Garcia, David Grisman and his band Psychograss. On this CD he steps dramatically to the forefront. He plays upwards of 30 instruments, predominately know for his mandolin and fiddle playing, he strides to the center on a number of other stringed instruments such as the banjolin and ukulele, while providing most of the percussion on a astounding variety of instruments. The number of instruments played well is complimented by the plethora of styles he plays in. This is music that encircles the world; All aboard for Australia, India, Japan, Ireland and South Africa to name 5 of the stops on this journey of 14 songs in as many musical styles. All are done with and exhilarating love for the music which shines through. Why did I give it 8 and not 9 stars if I love it this much? It sometimes shifts styles just a bit too abruptly for my mind. I would prefer to make the journey in 2 or 3 discs. But that is personal. This is a journey not to be missed on any account.
Tunes
Soldiers of Joy
Uke Pick Waltz
Camptown
Rites of Man
Hot Turkey
Shake In The Barley
Star of the Country Down
Liberte
The New Iberians
Combole
The Fez of Abu
Old Joe's Delhi
Kitchen Girl
Bonaparte
Musicians
Joe Craven - Vocal effects, mandolins, violins, lid kick, cowbell shaker, talking drum,mayonnaise jar, Puerto Rican cuarto, bongos, metal guiro, clave, baritone ukulele, sordu, ago-go bell, tamborim, whistles, berimbau, vibraslap, kalimba, shakere, violin case, mouth hat, snare, timbales, wood blocks, triangle, bell, Asian low drum, Chinese cymbal, chimes, banjolin, spoons, guiro, handclaps, dumbek, riq, zils,tabla, talking drum, mason jar,mixing bowls, silverware tray, cheese grater, drinking glasses, door slams, and large frame drum.
Derek Phillip Jones - bass, fretless bass
Ron Van Leeuwarde - electric guitar, dub guitar
Todd Phillips - string bass
Peter Elman - keyboards, guitar, organ, bass
Cody Craven - laughter, squeak joy
Sean Feder - congas
Maureen Brennan - Celtic Harp
Jim Boggio - Accordion
Rick Montgomery - acoustic rhythm guitar
Matt Eakle - fulte
Tony Elman - hammered dulcimer
Shirley Muramoto - koto
Jim Rothermel - clarinet
Tom Miller - steel drums (lead and tenor)
Danny Bittker - steel drums (double seconds)
Billy Fairfield - accordian
Dave Matthews - piano
Nick Phelps - oboe
Piper Heizig - tamboura
Doug Chancellor - tea kettle, whistle synth, door
Maureen Cooney Chancellor - kitchen girl
Stephen Kent - didgeridoo
Matt Eakle - piccolo