The Andy Statman Trio is joined by two acclaimed country artists — Michael Cleveland on fiddle and Tim O’Brien on guitars, fiddle and vocals — for the new album, Superstring Theory (Shefa Records). Statman, who plays mandolin on most of the tracks, is joined by his outstanding rhythm section mates, bassist Jim Whitney and drummer Larry Eagle. The 12 songs here range over genres from bluegrass to proto-rock ’n’ roll (Richie Valens’ “Come On Let’s Go”) to surf rock (“Surfin’ Slivovitz”) — and the Americana fusion that is a Statman trademark. The ace mandolinist takes his solos to extraordinary places, and Cleveland is right there with him on this wondrous record. Hopefully, Statman will tour with the Superstring Theory crew and stop again for a night at the Cedar Cultural Center. — Mordecai Specktor
(American Jewish World 12.6.13)
