Dawgnilo!

Dawgnilo! brings together two mandolin maestros, Brazilian Brito and American Grisman. The latter emerged from the Greenwich Village scene as a performer and producer who worked with such greats as John Sebastian, Judy Collins, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt and the Grateful Dead. That band’s Jerry Garcia dubbed Grisman ‘Dawg’, hence this conjunction of ‘Dawg’ and Danilo Brito is titled Dawgnilo!. The mandolin duo is supported beautifully by an uncluttered bedrock of guitar and bass accompaniment from musical friends and family – (among the musicians are Grisman’s wife and son). Grisman blends bluegrass and gypsy jazz while Brito is a master of choro – that vibrant form of Brazilian instrumental music that draws on European and African influences, with an emphasis on virtuosity and improvisation. Their distinct approaches combine and complement each other perfectly. Choro classics like Jacob do Bandolim’s ‘Migalhas de Amor’ and ‘Assanhado’ sit alongside originals like ‘Tracy’s Tune’ and ‘Dawgalypso’. Dawgnilo! is described as ‘a Pan-American mandolin summit,’ making it sound rather a solemn affair whereas, in fact, it’s a delightful collection of tunes, full of zest and fun.