Recording/Album Reviews - Mando Hangout

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The mandolin reviews database is here to help educate people before they purchase an instrument. Of course, this is not meant to be a substitute for playing the instrument yourself!

90 reviews in the archive.

Rock of Ages by Don Julin and Billy Strings: Rock of Ages

Submitted by pecos (see all reviews from this person) on 5/15/2014

Where Purchased: live show

Overall Comments

I recently saw Don Julin. author of "Mandolin for Dummies" and "Mandolin Exercises for Dummies" along with Michigan guitar sensation Billy Strings at an intimate venue called The Hedgehog in Arcadia, Indiana. The show was simply incredible. Billy is a 21 year old who is incredibly skilled on the guitar. He plays very fast and accurately, and just watching his facial expressions and the way he moves is a lot of fun. He reminds me of a cross between a young Elvis Presley and Joe Cocker. He is also a very good singer. Don Julin is a highly skilled mando player and sings harmonies on several of the songs. Judging by their set list, the duo were highly influenced by Doc Watson.

Anyway, I bought their CD Rock of Ages after the show and put it in my truck's player. It was on a constant loop for about 2 or 3 weeks, and I never got tired of it. It's one of the best bluegrass/old time recordings that I own. I've also loaned it to friends and bought some as gifts. If you have never heard of them, give them a listen. You can see several of their videos on YouTube.

The songs on Rock of Ages are:

Dust in a Baggie, Soldier's Joy, Cocaine Blues, Watson Blues, Wild Bill Jones, Red Haired Boy, I've Just Seen the Rock of Ages, Kickin' Mule, Summertime, Beaumont Rag, The Cuckoo, Long Journey Home, and Cluck Old Hen

I cannot wait for their next release!

Overall Rating: 10