Review of Mando Liniment

by Tim Farrell, Bluegrass in Review

"The Mando Mafia consists of six talented musicians, Kelly Perdue, Lewis Prichard, Bill Giltinan, Pete Marshall, Rick Friend and Vaughan Mairs. As you might expect from the title the mandolin along with the octave mandolin, mandocello and mandola are the foundation on which this group is based. But this is not strictly a mandolin recording, vocals, guitar, bass, banjo, fiddle and even some accordion work make this a well rounded album. Guest artists Dan Rublee, Fred Boyce, Paul Brier and Robbie Caruthers help out the band. Originally formed in 1989 this is the third album by Mando Mafia who describe their style as 'global string band music'. This album could not be clearly labeled bluegrass, but there is plenty of great music here for everyone. Most of the 17 tracks on this CD easily fit into the old time/bluegrass genre, including five originals by band members. The rest give the album its distinctive world sound, including cuts described as a Finnish March, Cajun/Rockabilly and a Swedish/Reggae tune. This is one album I can't stop listening to. A must have for mando fans and anyone looking to expand their musical horizons."