The David Grisman Quintet

If you like jazz or bluegrass or just absolutely out-of-their-heads, well-past-the-edge flat out playing, by younger musicians who aren't even at the top of their games yet but are just touched for however long it took to record this, this is your album. If you like players who have absolute mastery over their instruments, their volume AND what they have to say, especially to each other, this is your album. If you're a musician or a student of music who thinks you can play, and well, if not better than other musicians, than this is your education. If you think that the most important aspect of any music is time, and how to bend it, then this is your album. If you like listening to music that offers something new each time you hear it, or pleases you just as much as the first time, this is your album. If you like laughing inside because the music you're hearing is beyond your expectations, so much better than what you usually hear, in any genre, then this is your album.

This is IT. THE finest work ever. The founding album that CREATED DAWG music. It is not to be missed. We used to go to see them in the late 70's at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco at the time this album was released. Tony Rice is flawless on this and Mike Marshall and Darrol Anger, whose names are not mentioned in any of the other reviews I have read, are just amazing. If you are into this genre, this album is NOT to be missing from your collection.

I don't know where you may have been when this recording was released in the late 70’s but this is truly unbelievable stuff. Timeless, provoking and totally amazing to listen to as these guys work through multiple progressions. From the smoking guitar of Tony Rice to the steaming work of David Grisman and the rest of the player here, this is a landmark recording. This is one of the landmark recordings that changed the face acoustic instrumentals, and influenced many to come. This is really worth your time…

I have been listening to this recording since 1979 or thereabout and I NEVER get tired of it. The musicianship is absolutely amazing. The album is brilliant from start to finish. If I could only have a handful of recordings to listen to (desert island scenario or whatever) this would be at the top of my list.

I saw these guys at The Armadillo World Headquarters in Austin TX when this album first came out. That was about 1979. The first song received a standing ovation and we never sat down again. We pushed the chairs out of the way and stood in awe at the foot of the stage. They were so hot, no one made a sound while they played except for an occasional gasp at their artistry. Tony Rice was a blur of perfection. They played this album note for note. Never have I heard anything so perfect, so exciting in all my life. I still play this CD on a regular basis. It’s among my very favorites.

An unreal album... If you have one cool bone in your body, you should give this album a try. The complex beauty and sheer musical companionship shared by these musicians is unmatched. If you like Grisman, you will not be dissapointed. Opus 57, is simply sick. Go for it!

This album is the original "Dawg" recording. It's NOT bluegrass. It is a classic for anyone one who loves the mandolin, jazz and a hint of bluegrass. A must have. I've worn out an Album, Cassette, and this is always in my CD player.

Perhaps you enjoy the standouts of today's vibrant jamgrass scene such as the Yonder Mountain String Band. Or maybe you simply can’t resist richly interwoven compositional strings work in the legendary vein of Bela Fleck or Edgar Meyer, this is one purchase you cannot afford to miss. The pacing and lyricism of the album is playful yet profound, with delightful aural spotlights that halo each contributing member of this ground-breaking quintet. If you’re a newcomer to David Grisman you’ll hardly believe that this recording is now nearly 30 years old, due both to its jazz-infused stylings as well as the impressive sound quality that awaits you. With Autumn nearly here, put this one on your iPod before hitting the road to see relatives for the Holidays or making that annual leaf-peeping sojourn to the Northeast US. You'll thank me and impress your traveling companions!

This album is one that I had on LP back when it originally came out. I had been playing guitar for some time but was just beginning to get into flatpicking and soloing in bluegrass. I don't remember how I ran across it at that time, but I do remember the shock and thrill I felt at hearing the textures, progressive ideas and chord changes when I listened to it. The outstanding way that Grisman wrote the tunes and the masterful way that the ensemble executed them opened up a whole new realm of listening for me. from the incredible licks of Tony Rice, who I was most interested in hearing right through toe entire band it is an album that will always be one of my favorites. David Grisman's playing is sensitive, energetic, brilliantely thought out, and freshly creative at the same time. I had the chance to hear him play in Winfield at the Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival and it was one of the fondest memories of 26 years of the festival for me. I have another recording of Tony Rice and John Carlini performing "Fish Scale" on a duet album and although it is incredible the way they play, I always find myself longing for the recording of it on this album. Don't wait! Buy this album. One of My all time favorites!