Tall Fiddler
Tall Fiddler offers plenty of speed and at least as much pleasure in playing together. Michael Cleveland places his fiddle among a large group of musicians without making the record feel crowded. The sound stays clear and melodies have room. The virtuosity makes the music lively rather than distant, keeping its technical skill connected to something immediately enjoyable.
Arkansas starts at pace. Fiddle, banjo, guitar and mandolin move tightly around one another, providing enough energy to set the record going immediately. Beauty of My Dreams maintains that feeling within an accessible song. Singing offers a different point of recognition among the fast playing.
The title track is a clear highlight. Cleveland and guitarist Tommy Emmanuel exchange quick parts, each response seeming to prompt another movement. Tarnation reduces the line-up to a duet with Béla Fleck on banjo. That combination supplies enough force and variety to need little else.
The record can step back too. Tim O'Brien's singing gives Old Time River Man a calmer centre. Mountain Heartache has a softer, sadder colour, with dobro complementing the voices. Such pieces prevent the album from becoming solely about speed. The fiddle can support a song and add feeling as effectively as it can command attention.
5-String Swing moves towards swing, while Tennessee Plates emphasises country and rock. Drums on the latter broaden the sound without removing the record's character.
Closer Lazy Katie brings bluegrass and older fiddle playing together again. Tall Fiddler remains convincing because these musicians consistently connect technique with melody. It is a particularly accomplished record, but also an inviting one. You need not analyse the playing to enjoy its momentum, variety and strong songs.
