John Reischman’s is a name synonymous with mandolin. His distinctive approach to the instrument combined with his masterful compositions have proven influential to countless musicians. Over twenty five years ago, Reischman formed his own group, The Jaybirds. Not only have they remained a touring and recording unit for three decades, but in that time have only had one personnel change. The Jaybirds’ eighth release, The Salish Sea, shows how they’ve continually maintained their chemistry and creativity.
This eleven song collection is made up of original pieces and arrangements of songs within the traditional canon. The opening track, Banks of Jordan, appropriately brings forward guitarist Patrick Sauber. Though he joined the Jaybirds in 2017, this is his first recording as part of the group. Along with Reischman on mandolin and vocals and Sauber on guitar and vocals, the band consists of Trisha Gagnon on bass and vocals, Nick Hornbuckle on banjo, and Greg Spatz on fiddle. Elkhorn Ridge from the repertoire of Oscar Wright, also does a fine job showcasing Sauber’s traditionally oriented vocals.
The highlight of The Salish Sea is the material written within the group. The title track by John Reischman is part one of a bluegrass concerto he was commissioned to write by the FreshGrass Festival in North Adams, Massachusetts. Named after the Pacific inlet between Vancouver and Vancouver Island, it’s a brilliant piece of instrumentalism, one that mandolin players will surely be attempting to learn. Other tunes like Creekwood Drive and The Reunion, spotlight Nick Hornbuckle and Greg Spatz. The former by Hornbuckle features his unique utilization of the Scruggs tuners on his banjo, while the latter by Spatz has a strong Irish feel all throughout.
Bassist Trisha Gagnon contributed two of her own songs to this effort, both in honor of her greatest loves in life. You’re My Honey was written for her daughter, while Walk With Me is an ode to the canine friends she’s known and loved over the years.
The album closes with The Crow And Gate. Composed by Reischman, this tune has a beautiful soothing melody, augmented by the twin fiddles of Greg Spatz and guest musician Patrick M’Gonigle.
It’s hard to improve on these comments from Molly Tuttle about their new project.
“I have loved John Reischman & the Jaybirds since I was a kid growing up in the west coast bluegrass scene, so I was excited to hear that they have a brand new record! The Salish Sea seamlessly incorporates old-time, bluegrass, gospel, and Americana while keeping taste and musicality at the forefront.
After twenty-five years as a band you can still hear so much fun and excitement on every track, which is a testament to the chemistry these five singular musicians share. This new album is a joy to listen to— I love how each member of the band contributes original material and new arrangements of old favorites so that everyone truly gets a chance to shine. The Salish Sea is going to be in heavy rotation for me, and I highly recommend you give it a listen!”
The Salish Sea is continued evidence of not only John Reischman & The Jaybirds’ unlimited originality, but their willingness to gaze towards tradition and put their own stamp on it. It’s a testament to why they’ve endured as a band since first forming in 1999.
