Review of the March 2011 release, “Duo” by National Mandolin Champion, John McGann
“Hickory Strings latest release “Duo” is a unique and fantastic instrumental duo recording featuring original compositions by Geoff Brown (mandolin) and Mark Whitaker (banjo). Eschewing the flashy pyrotechnics that both players are capable of, they instead focus on textures, dynamic interplay, emotional range, and deeply musical uses of harmony and counterpoint, as well as that oft-missing component: space! Adventurous without sounding “experimental”, flowing without rambling aimlessly, these well conceived melodies are delivered with the panache and fluidity found in jazz and bluegrass, combined with the classical composer’s sense of balance and form, but yielding something greater than the sum of those stylistic parts. This music is easy to listen to, but light years from “easy listening”, as it balances memorable melodies with the sound of surprise, in a recorded atmosphere that is both warm and inviting. Beautiful stuff!”
-John McGann (National Mandolin Champion, Berklee College of Music professor)