Around The Clock

Daniel Patrick, host of a popular podcast called Mandolins and Beer,  traveled far and wide, to five different recording studios in nearly as many states, to put this project together.

The outcome is a series of vocal and mandolin duets with 11 of his favorite players on distinctly non-bluegrass songs—“because,” Patrick explains in the media material, “all of us as musicians have different tastes in music outside of the bluegrass genre … and that is what makes us each unique as players.”

The results are exuberant and eminently listenable, with a delightful Americana feel running through the proceedings.  It really is a treat to hear some of the mandolin’s leading lights unwinding on songs that you wouldn’t readily associate with them.

Tim O’Brien teams with Patrick as they take a lively turn on The Cars pop hit of yesteryear, “Drive.” Sam Bush launches into the Allman Brothers’ “Blue Sky.” Patrick and Ronnie McCoury turn in a free-wheeling reprise of Jerry Garcia’s “Deal.”

Joe K. Walsh joins in to an intricate take on Jimi Hendrix’s “Angel” and Jarrod Walker works out on the Beatles’ “Hay Bulldog.”

Other contributors include Sharon Gilchrest, Harry Clark, Mary Meyer, Jacob Jolliff, Mike Guggino (on a stirring rendition of Pink Floyd’s “San Tropez”) and Matt Flinner delving into songs by Willie Nelson, Credence Clearwater Revival, Tom Petty John Prine, Jim Croce and others.

All told, Around the Clock is a unique concept boldly executed.