Stomp

I saw these guys at the Harris Arts Center in Calhoun, Georgia a couple years ago. It was one of the most incredible live performances I've ever witnessed. They drove through their set in unison, with the precision of hummingbirds and the power of a freight train. If you are looking at this album, chances are you already have an appreciation for traditional music; If you have accidently stumbled upon this page, buy this music and listen to it. It will open up a whole new world for you. A world driven by the love of music and the good things in life. Bravo.

In a world of highly produced records and virtuoso musicians who mix classical, jazz and other influences into what used to be called "bluegrass," it's nice every once in a while to get back to something that is both basic and a joy to hear. "Stomp," Mike Compton and David Long's latest CD, is straight-forward and no-nonsense in both the production and approach to music. The result is both simple and beautiful, the musical equivalent of a Quaker chair. Nothing fancy. Nothing extra. Just a spare, almost Zen directness. Compton and Long - Long is Compton's protégé - are proponents of the Monroe-style of mandolin playing. It's a more laid-back, old-time countrified style, with an emphasis on tremolo, empathetic rhythm and a bluesy feel. There isn't the frantic riffing you hear in a Mike Marshall and Chris Thile performance, but frankly, it's a relief to my tired ears to hear something a lot more relaxed. "Stomp" sticks close to the music's roots, but without the harsh nasal twang of mainstream bluegrass that some people find hard to take. I doubt you'll see Compton on stage anytime soon in a white Stetson and string tie. Listening to "Stomp" is like putting on a comfortable work shirt or a well-broken in pair of boots, the sort that wouldn't impress anybody for being new and fancy but that fit just right and feel good wearing. The songs on "Stomp" feature Compton and Long playing mandolins and assorted string instruments. The recording has a live feel to it, as if they set up a couple of microphones, hit the record button and let her rip. My favorites on "Stomp" are "Big Indian Blues," a Compton composition, "Evening Prayer Blues" and "Prison Blues," a couple of old-time country blues numbers, and "Standing on Jesus," a gospel song performed with a good-time feel and no bogus sentimentality. The only thing I wonder about is calling it "Stomp." That is, of course, the name of a New York show and touring company that involves beating on garbage cans and dancing. An urban sophisticate looking for music from the show that ends up with Compton's recording is in for a surprise, but my guess is it would be a good one.

I met Mike & David in November 2005 in Northern Minnesota and heard most of the music on this release. They are magicians of the mandolin. Mike's mandolin graces all of the O Brother soundtrack and makes that come alive, but only scratches the surface of his incredible talent. And David Long more than keeps up. A tremendous duo! David sings terrific tenor harmony, and they write fantastic material. David's January Nightmare is particularly beautiful and haunting. If you love traditional acoustic music, you will love this!