ALAN MUNDE & BILLY BRIGHT

ALAN MUNDE & BILLY BRIGHT
ES MI SUERTE

Munde’s Child Records
MCR005

Alan Munde and Billy Bright probably need no introduction to fans of instrumental bluegrass. Munde, of course, is a legend in the banjo community for his earliest work such as Sam And Alan Together Again For The First Time, his wonderful duet of fiddle tunes and originals with Sam Bush. A stalwart of the legendary Jazz Grassrecord pioneered by Slim Richey and a founder of Country Gazette, Munde’s brilliance in creating musical, memorable melodic lines on banjo helped set the stage for modern players such as Noam Pikelny and many others. Mandolinist Bright also has his share of recording and performing kudos, including working with the great Peter Rowan.

As its Spanish title (It’s My Luck) implies, this latest project from these venerable players features a range of Americana, folk, Texas waltzes, Tex-Mex, and bluegrass. Over eight Munde originals and two covers, the duo show a rare range of interpretation and musical creativity. Fans of straight-up bluegrass won’t find much that sounds like how they like their bluegrass, except for “Oklahoma Bound,” and that’s just fine with these two talented musicians. For banjo players, delving into Munde’s original songs (especially the jazzy title-cut and “Going Bodmin”) and unique banjo style will be plenty rewarding. (www.alanmunde.com)DJM