The Turtle Island String Quartet's music spans many idioms, from the blues and bluegrass to country, classical and Indian music, with the improvisation and swing of jazz always being in the forefront. Their music, although obviously well-rehearsed, is quite spontaneous in spots and consistently takes chances. Each of the string players (violinists David Balakrishnan and
Darol Anger, Katrina Wreede on viola and cellist Mark Summer) contributed compositions to this CD which also includes a rockish version of
Robert Johnson's "Crossroads" and
Chick Corea's delightful "Senor Mouse." A stimulating session of surprising string music. ~ Scott Yanow