What makes Dawg '90 by David Grisman Quintet notable?

Dawg '90 is significant for its innovative fusion of genres, contributing to the rise of progressive bluegrass in the early 1990s. The album received positive critical reception and helped solidify Grisman’s influence on a generation of musicians blending bluegrass with jazz elements, impacting artists within the jam band scene. By the time Dawg '90 was released, David Grisman had established himself as a major figure in the acoustic music scene, following his acclaimed album 'Tone Poems' from 1994. This album marked a continuation of his exploration of newgrass and jazz influences, showcasing his unique mandolin style and contributions to the genre's evolution.

How many songs are on Dawg '90?

Dawg '90 has 10 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Dawg '90

David Grisman Quintet · 1990

55 min · 10 tracks · bluegrass music

A vibrant blend of bluegrass, jazz, and acoustic virtuosity that dances between playful melodies and intricate rhythms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Chili Dawg — This track exemplifies the quintet's energetic interplay and showcases Grisman’s virtuosic mandolin playing intertwined with engaging rhythms.
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'Lil Samba — A standout for its rhythmic complexity, this piece highlights the band's ability to merge samba influences with bluegrass structures, creating an infectious groove.
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Hot Club Swing — This track pays homage to Django Reinhardt’s gypsy jazz while embodying a contagious swing feel, demonstrating Grisman's versatility and passion for jazz traditions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong musicianship and genre fusion, making it a notable entry in progressive bluegrass.

What we noticed

The album features intricate interplay between mandolin, guitar, and bass, with each instrument taking turns in the spotlight.
The tempo varies significantly across tracks, with some maintaining a brisk pace while others slow down for more reflective moments.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Pupville 3:13
2 Chili Dawg 5:40
3 Mad Max 3:32
4 O-Banion's Wake 4:43
5 Dawg Daze 5:00
6 'Lil Samba 6:31
7 Learned Pigs & Fire-Proof Women 3:46
8 Gypsy Nights 6:03
9 Hot Club Swing 4:30
10 Sativa 12:33

What to play next

Listen next

Dawgwood

1993

Go back to

Mondo Mando

1981

Full David Grisman Quintet discography Artists like David Grisman Quintet

bluegrass music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata