It's the same old question: what in the world will that predictably unpredictable mandolin-driven David Grisman Quintet do next? The answer is Dawganova, the latest release from Acoustic Disc. This time, Dawg music goes south of the border with a collection generously infused with infectious Latin rhythms and melodies inspired by the quintet's newest member, Argentine guitar master Enrique Coria. The disc also features Quintet regulars Jim Kerwin (bass), Joe Craven (violin, percussion), and Matt Eakle (flute, bass flute). Former DGQ guitarist Tony Rice calls this band "the best ever!"
Grisman and company offer up five Dawg originals; the title cut "Dawganova," "April's Wedding Bossa," and new interpretations of "Barkley's Bug," "Caliente," and "Brazilian Breeze." Fiery rendi-tions of the Latin standards "Tico Tico" and "El Cumbanchero" plus the sensuous "Manha de Carnaval" and a haunting interpretation of the Nat "King" Cole classic "Nature Boy" round out this latest chapter in the evolving story of American string band music.
