CHRIS COOLE AND IVAN ROSENBERG, RETURN TO TRION

CHRIS COOLE AND IVAN ROSENBERG
RETURN TO TRION

Vole-O-Tone
#004

This sophomore release is full of musical adventures from the fearless duo of Coole and Rosenberg from the frozen North Country. You have to keep the music hot in that clime. This Canadian duo is back after their release Farewell To Trion with an even stronger set of material featuring Coole’s wonderful banjo playing and Rosenberg’s delightful resonator guitar mastery. Actually, Coole plays guitar and sings, as well as plays banjo. Rosenberg also plays some resonator banjo and sings.

The music ranges from traditional fare, “Train That Carried My Girl From Town” and “Georgie,” to Robbie Robertson’s “Stage Fright” and the country classic “Fool Such As I.” The arrangements show off the virtuosity of these two great musicians while enhancing each piece. The clarity and rich substance of the material is shown in a new light drawing the listener’s ear to aspects sometimes lost in the rush. “Sail Away Ladies” is based upon the late Tommy Jarrell’s version and is given a mystical treatment that conjures the dark fog of a late evening or the early morning hours just before sunlight. A halting, bluesy rendering of “Bound To Ride” is marked by a world-weary traveler mojo that brings new insight to an old chestnut. Obray Ramsey’s “Rain And Snow” is taken at a sprightly pace. In between the songs are instrumentals that defy categorization as the banjo and resonator guitar romp through the melody into improvised passages that define and expand upon the original theme of each piece.

This is an exceptional recording where two master musicians join to make music beyond the ordinary and way above the average. This splendid set holds up well with their debut project. If you are a fan of great music that doesn’t always follow the rules, look no further. (www.dobroandclaw.com)RCB