Jazz with a Mandolin? I loved how it cut through the mix

**rhl-ferndale** · 10-26-2020, 12:00 PM

Maybe Reg can supply his name.

Certainly it’s hard to imagine a mandolin not sounding joyous. But it can sound fussy, fidgety, manic...Which reminds me:

There’s an early TS Eliot poem that includes the couplet

the pleasant whine
of a mandoline...

Nice version of Pent-Up House in any case!

**Greentone** · 10-26-2020, 12:11 PM

Speaking of joyous sounds from a jazz mandolin, here's David Grisman (mandolin) and Martin Taylor (guitar) from the Tone Poems II album in 1995 on "Here's That Rainy Day."

**grahambop** · 10-26-2020, 01:28 PM

Originally Posted by AlsoRan

I am sorry rhl, I was referring to the original video of "Pent Up House." I would love to know the Mandoloin player's name and info on his instrument. I just love the brightness of the guitar (Reg) and the mandolin, as well as the high energy solos. The video just exudes joy. Something I can use more of, these days.

It appears to be a guy called Tom Bekeny (I googled Kensington circus pub mandolin and this came up, details are in the YouTube video description):

**AlsoRan** · 10-26-2020, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by grahambop

It appears to be a guy called Tom Bekeny (I googled Kensington circus pub mandolin and this came up, details are in the YouTube video description):

gb, you are a dangerous man with those sleuthing skills. Remind me not to anger you, and thanks.

I noticed that pub is in the San Francisco Bay Area, near Berkley, California, where the Musician's Institute can be found. There must be some great music being made around there in the small clubs.

**AlsoRan** · 10-26-2020, 03:02 PM

Originally Posted by grahambop

It appears to be a guy called Tom Bekeny (I googled Kensington circus pub mandolin and this came up, details are in the YouTube video description):

Ah, success. I found out that Tom is in several groups, including that one with Reg, called "The Missing Man Quartet" (assuming the website is up-to-date). They also go by the name, "MM4."

I will keep this in mind for future reference, as I sometimes go to that area in my travels. Would be nice to catch a show, if there is any live music left around there after this COVID onslaught.

Tom Bekeny, Bluegrass, Jazz, Bands

Again, Thanks!

**grahambop** · 10-26-2020, 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by AlsoRan

gb, you are a dangerous man with those sleuthing skills. Remind me not to anger you, and thanks.

I noticed that pub is in the San Francisco Bay Area, near Berkley, California, where the Musician's Institute can be found. There must be some great music being made around there in the small clubs.

no worries, I can’t be bothered to get angry about anything any more, takes too much effort!

**alltunes** · 10-27-2020, 09:10 AM

Besides those mentioned here a few more folks:

Michael Lampert....has a few albums of jazz mandolin played on electric 4 string. Here is link to some audio:

http://www.sojournerrecords.net/

I also always enjoyed the Jazz Mandolin Project led by Jamie Masefield. Perhaps more jam band then jazz. Always loved this song which has a definite Metheny vibe to my ears:

**AlsoRan** · 10-31-2020, 06:50 PM

One more with the Missing Man Quartet and their Mandolin player, Tom, and our Reg on guitar.

**Sam9** · 02-03-2021, 02:30 PM

Michael Lampert has released a fairly new album. He is strictly on electric four string solid body mandolin here, accompanied by a very fine guitarist, also first rate bassist and drummer.

**Sam9** · 02-03-2021, 02:42 PM

Eva Scow on her Godin.

**sgosnell** · 02-04-2021, 11:37 AM

I hadn't heard of Eva Scow, a fine mandolinist. Thanks for the post.

**alltunes** · 02-04-2021, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by Sam9

Michael Lampert has released a fairly new album. He is strictly on electric four string solid body mandolin here, accompanied by a very fine guitarist, also first rate bassist and drummer.

Sounds great. I always though Michael had a way of making the electric mandolin sound bigger then it's range. If that makes any sense. I took a couple of lessons from Michael a bunch of years ago. He was California based but came back east to visit his parents who were living a few miles away from me. Michael used to occasionally post here...Michael you out there?

**sgosnell** · 02-05-2021, 08:31 PM

IMO the best jazz mandolinist playing today is Don Stiernberg.

**jameslovestal** · 02-05-2021, 10:08 PM

Originally Posted by wintermoon

David Grisman made a record w jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli in the 80s I believe

Yes, they did. I saw the tour they did and it was great. Stephane Grappelli was such a gentleman to the much, much younger musicians on the stage.

**sgosnell** · 02-05-2021, 10:15 PM

I have that CD. To me the highlight is the Satin Doll cut with Tiny Moore. Tiny inspired me to build solid-body 5-string electric mandolins, because I couldn't find any to buy. He was one of the best ever, IMHO.