Mike Marshall and Choro Famoso: Mike Marshall and Choro Famoso

The new self-titled CD on Adventure by Mike Marshall & Choro Famoso features the famed bluegrass mandolinist in a Brazilian setting, with a light-on-its-feet chamber group. The first seven tracks feature Marshall with Carlos Oliveira on nylon-string guitar, Andy Connell on clarinet and soprano sax, and Michael Spiro and Brian Rice on percussion. Oliveira switches to seven-string on the final three, joined by guitarist Jamie Bell, reedist Harvey Wainapel and three percussionists. The music of Jacob do Bandolim (“Cochichando,” “Receita de Samba,” “Noites Cariocas”) is emphasized, along with that of Paulinho da Viola (“Sarau Para Radames,” the excellent mandolin/guitar duet “Choro Negro”). There’s a distinctly old-world feel to this choro set-especially when overdubbed reeds create a sort of accordion effect. Marshall’s chops give the 40-minute session most of its bite.

Originally Published December 1, 2004