Discovering a New Music Group Yields Unexpected Delight

Yesterday, Sunday, I went to the Wellesley Free Library to hear a concert by a group called Hickory Strings.  My best friend had sent me an email mentioning he had read an announcement that the group would be playing, and did I want to go? He also said the group was made up of banjo, bass, and mandolin.

Hmmmm, if I had to say right on the spur of the moment what three instruments I like to hear playing ensemble, I don’t think I would come up with the banjo, the bass, and a mandolin - maybe a violin, a viola, and a cello. Perhaps a piano, a bass and a saxophone.  What repertoire exists for the banjo, the bass, and a mandolin? Maybe I need to get out more.

When I think of the banjo I think of a loud, raucous, metallic-sounding, country instrument played at breakneck speed. Good for hoedowns, grand ol’ opry shows, and country fairs. Also, I associate it closely with Steve Martin, whom I have seen too many times on TV explaining how he has left his previous life behind and is now devoting himself to playing the banjo. He speaks as one born again, with all the zeal usually reserved for those who have found Jesus through some startling conversion experience.

I quickly realized, about five minutes into the concert, that I had absolutely no idea how good a banjo could sound, especially when it was playing with a bass and a mandolin, and especially when played by a talented, creative, intelligent musician. Mark Whitaker, on banjo, with Geoff Brown on mandolin, and Gian Pangaro on double bass comprise Hickory Strings. During a set that lasted a little over an hour, they played all original compositions, mostly written by Brown, but also highlighting several wonderful pieces by Whitaker.

Together this group produces a mellow, balanced sound, which flows through some very interestingly intricate rhythms, riffs through fun melody, skipping along by way of bluegrass, jazz, folk, and even classical influences. All compositions allowed each musician to solo and highlight his extraordinary ability to get amazing sounds out of his instrument. The picking was nimble and impressive and Gian Pangaro’s work on the bass gave the support and depth that you expect from a bass, but also some great solo work with the bow. The melodies presented and developed by the mandolin were sweet, energetic, complex, and expressive. 

I am definitely a fan now. There was a good turnout for this group and the whole audience enjoyed the concert. I am sure most of us will visit their website and look for upcoming performances of this Boston-based trio.

The takeaway is: be open to new possibilities. Who would have guessed that I would have enjoyed these three instruments so much? Try some new things. There’s a whole world of music out there and a surprising amount of it is being presented right here around us in the greater Boston area.