Mike Dowling with David Lange – Eclectricity
Whether a sideman (touring with the likes of violinist Vassar Clements), composer, teacher, session or solo artist, Mike Dowling commands an incredible eclectic range of high-voltage fretwork with his flatpicking, fingerpicking and bottleneck guitar styles. Earlier in his career, he worked and recorded with mandolinist Jethro Burns and violinist Joe Venuti, as well as studied with acclaimed session man George Barnes. Solo performance became Dowling’s priority in 1995, and the following year found him moving from Nashville to Wyoming to open Wind River Guitar and establish the Greater Yellowstone Music Camp. To date, he’s released seven albums on his Wind River Guitar label and two for Solid Air Records.
“Eclectricity” is a bit different than his previous works in that his relaxed and original instrumental compositions are presented with just guitars, accordion and bass. Mike’s liner notes speak to the musical connection that he made several years ago with Washington-based accordionist David Lange. The warm, pleasant musical conversations they have together on this album emphasize the impeccable compatibility and like-minded approach to the beautifully sensuous tunes. The melodies are just sophisticated enough to make them very stylish and fashionable, and masterful improvisational interludes never stray too far.
Dowling plays a Fender Jazzmaster electric guitar on all the songs, except for “Samba Simpatico” and “La Habana Vieja” recorded with his 1928 National Tricone resophonic guitar. Lange plays with an evocative congruence that weaves in and out with melodies, harmonies and chordal accompaniment. A photo on the CD jacket indicates that Lange plays a Petosa accordion. For the similarly well-matched low end, Rene Worst is the perfect bassist for the swanky set that has elements of Latin, swing and French music. The 13 tracks are well-arranged in a manner that allows the refined music to breathe while each instrumentalist also shines with plenty of elegant individualism. Overall, a very hip and classy album that’s full of harmonious joy and impeccable tone. (Joe Ross, CD Insight)
