by Ken Dryden
One hears so many different musical influences within David Grisman's self-described &dawg& music that it wasn't surprising that he joined a number of excellent musicians from the fields of classical, bluegrass, rock, and jazz for this somewhat obscure date recorded for the tiny (and likely, now defunct) Cymekob. The music within this disc includes traditional American songs, country, and Texas swing. Classical violinist Daniel Kobialka (at the time of recording principal second violinist with the San Francisco Symphony) is as much at home with this music as former Grisman fiddler Mark O'Connor (who is not present on these sessions). The guests include Grisman's longtime bassist, Jim Kerwin, and guitarist Enrique Coria, son Monroe Grisman on guitar, bassist Edgar Meyer, banjo player Tony Trischka, and Jerry Garcia, to name just a few. The touching interpretation of Benny Thomasson's &Midnight on the Water& and traditional favorites like &Barbara Allen& and &Wayfaring Stranger& are just a few of the many high points of this CD. Snap this one up before it becomes a high-priced collector's item.