Here’s a new CD release that’s worth mentioning. Cool Mandolin Company exists for the purpose of promoting the mandolin, especially to the younger generation. With that in mind, they have put together a CD of tracks from various artists, the sale of which goes to create scholarships for young mandolin pickers to attend mandolin programs around the country.

It’s a great idea, with a great cause, and some great players. The players donated their respective tracks to the project and receive no remuneration for the sale of the CD.

The title of the CD is An American Tradition and it features 15 tracks, all from different artists. The players include such artists as:

• Andrew Collins
• Ben Winship
• Justin Moses
• Simon Mayor
• Butch Baldassari
• Rich DelGrosso
• John Lowell
• Dominick Leslie
• Josh Pinkham
• Sierra Hull
• Ryan Holladay
• John McGann
• Frank Solivan II
• Scott Gates
• Laura Leder – Cool Mandolin Company founder

Just looking at that list of names should give you an idea of the diversity of styles represented on this disc. There is everything from straight up bluegrass, to jazz, to blues, and beyond. It makes for an enjoyable listen. I enjoyed hearing some of the players and tracks I was already familiar with, but I also discovered a couple new artists I had never heard before. That always makes for a good day!

Most notably, I enjoyed Simon Mayor, who I had never heard before. Don’t blame me, I’m just a guitar player! Great music from the UK. Butch Baldassari’s contribution struck me as particularly enjoyable. Great tone Butch! John Lowell, who I’ve always enjoyed, contributes the only vocal tune in duet with Ben Winship. Our friend Frank Solivan II contributes the tune with the coolest name, Scorchin’ The Gravy. And the young players on here, wow!

I encourage you to pick up a copy and check out some of these great players.