Album Notes

Top-ranked mandolinist John Reischman and his new band The Jaybirds have released one of the most impressive bluegrass recordings of the new century with their powerful self-titled debut album.

A scintillating mix of soulful vocals and virtuoso instrumental playing, "John Reischman and the Jaybirds" (Corvus CR008) features 14 outstanding tracks. The album deftly melds fresh reworkings of traditional songs by such icons as Ralph Stanley and the Blue Sky Boys, with sparkling and innovative original instrumentals by John and Nick Hornbuckle.

"John Reischman is mostly known for his considerable skills on the mandolin, but his latest project should reach beyond mandolin enthusiasts. It is also a bluegrass album that should appeal to more than hard-core fans of the genre. With plenty of variety, a distinctive style, an excellent selection of songs, and impeccable musicianship, this album should turn out to be one of the more sophisticated bluegrass releases of this year." - Dirty Linen

Joining John in the Jaybirds are four acoustic players renowned in their own right: Jim Nunally, guitarist, vocalist, composer and producer from the San Francisco Bay Area; Chilliwack, British Columbia's Trisha Gagnon on bass and vocals; Seattle's Nick Hornbuckle on 5-string banjo and Spokane's Greg Spatz on fiddle.