Bluegrass Unlimited October 1999

Bob Green is a tremendously talented multi-instrumentalist whose new self-titled recording raises the bar for eclectic string musicians. While he draws from various musical traditions, bluegrass pre se is not represented here – the closest relative is the old-time fiddle tune "Growling Old Man, Cackling Old Woman (often referred to as ".. Grumbling Old Woman"), which he takes into an open spacey jam with the help of pianist Jeff Waxman.

But the genres Green does choose to draw from, which include Celtic, klezmer, choro (Brazilian), and contemporary jazz, are all carried off with great aplomb. Whether playing mandolin on Ralph Towner’s Icarus, or nestled snugly in an accordion/ piano/mandolin trio on "Paganini Stomp" (not just a tribute to the legendary classical virtuoso, but also the brilliant vaudeville mandolinist David Appollon). Green shines with the ease of his phrases and his mastery of his chosen instruments. He also stretches out on fiddle, with particular effectiveness on the jigs "Tobin’s Favorite" and "Scatter The Mud". The gentle O’Carolan composition "Carolan’s Draft" becomes a showcase for his bozouki work and Green even gets to shine as a flatpicking guitarist as well.

While the liner notes don’t give much background on Green’s musical or recorded history, it’s clear from the evidence contained on the CD that this is a musician who taps a wide variety of inspirations and who is equally comfortable navigating them all. While not for the bluegrass hardliner, listeners with eclectic tastes won’t be disappointed if they let Bob Green lead them down some new instrumental paths.