In The Press

Art begetting art...

From the March issue of Dirty Linen.

Jake Schepps and crew are part of a growing modern stringband movement that uses bluegrass instrumentation but really produces music without border. Since many of Schepps's cerebral instrumental compositions were inspired by photographic art, unusual sights of nature, and even Japanese poetry (for the concept cover), it's interesting to note that these are really sonic interpretations of art, in essence art begetting art.

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One of the ten best recordings of 2007.....

From JazzReview.com:

Banjoist Jake Schepps, violin master Ryan Drickey, guitarist Greg Schochet (who also plays mandolin), and string bassist Eric Thorin have combined their estimable talents on one of the ten best recordings of 2007. This is a complete and utter delight. From the airy banjo/violin interplay that informs the opening Astor Piazzolla-penned “Todo Buenos Aires” it is apparent that this is a string band meets jazz session that runs on high octane talent.

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On the edge....

From Bluegrass Unlimited December 2007.

This is one of the more complicated records I've yet reviewed. How to convey all or even part of what I'm hearing in these 11 instrumental tracks. All the wonderful textures, all the shifts of time, and rhythm and mood. Showcased is the talented interplay between banjoist Jake Schepps, violinist Ryan Drickey, guitarist and mandolinist Greg Shochet, bassist Eric Thorin, and guests in mandolinist Matt Flinner and guitarist Adam Aijala. Think of describing a Beethoven symphony in 300 words. There is much here that is intriguing and much to be admired and praised.

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Featured on Global Rhythm's CD Sampler

Todo Buenos Aires was selected for the Collector's CD in the November/December issue of Global Rhythm Magazine. Here is what they had to say about it:

"You might not think of the banjo as an improvisational instrument, but Jake Schepps dispels all such preconceptions from the opening strains of this Astor Piazzolla classic- it's a whole new take on nuevo tango, with Schepps's Expedition Quartet providing able support."

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Touches your heart...

Now here's something completely different! Inspired by a 7th century collection of Japanese poems, these eleven banjo instrumentals by a virtuoso Colorado banjoist will touch your heart and get those toes a-tappin'. Really.

Inland Northwest Bluegrass Association.

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