What makes Dawgwood by David Grisman Quintet notable?

'Dawgwood' is notable for its critical acclaim, receiving positive reviews that highlighted its inventive compositions and musicianship. The album contributed to Grisman’s influence on the newgrass movement, inspiring a generation of musicians to explore combining traditional bluegrass with jazz elements. By 1993, David Grisman was already an established figure in the acoustic music scene, having gained recognition for his innovative fusion of bluegrass and jazz. 'Dawgwood' marked a continuation of his exploration into acoustic improvisation, following the successful albums 'David Grisman Quintet' and 'Home is Where the Heart Is.' This release further solidified his Quintet's reputation as pioneers blending diverse musical styles.

How many songs are on Dawgwood?

Dawgwood has 8 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Dawgwood

David Grisman Quintet · 1993

50 min · 8 tracks · bluegrass music

A vibrant blend of bluegrass and jazz, showcasing intricate melodies and dynamic improvisation throughout its lively arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dawgwood — The title track exemplifies the album's spirit, featuring a captivating interplay between instruments that showcases Grisman's distinctive mandolin style.
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Sea of Cortez — This track stands out for its evocative melody and rich harmonies, creating a lush soundscape that transports listeners to its namesake location.
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Steppin' With Stephane — A tribute to jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli, this piece highlights the band's virtuosic capabilities while blending classical jazz elements seamlessly into their bluegrass roots.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

Dawgwood combines intricate melodies with dynamic improvisation, showcasing Grisman’s unique fusion of bluegrass and jazz.

What we noticed

Each track showcases extended improvisational sections, allowing individual players to explore their instruments in depth.
The first three tracks maintain a brisk tempo, while the latter half introduces slower, more contemplative pieces.

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

Influence 3/10

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 Dawgwood 3:36
2 Dawgmatism 6:39
3 Jazzin 5:33
4 Sea of Cortez 6:20
5 Steppin' With Stephane 6:42
6 Bolero de Django 5:58
7 Assanhado 6:17
8 New Dawg's Rag 9:05

What to play next

Listen next

Dawganova

1995

Go back to

Dawg '90

1990

Full David Grisman Quintet discography Artists like David Grisman Quintet

bluegrass music

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