Agile Tortoise
Greg Pierce’s blog
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Johnny Staats project
I’ve been listening to the Johnny Staats Project a lot the past few weeks. If you like mandolin, this is a must listen. If you like Bluegrass it’s a must listen. If you like incredible musicianship, it’s a must listen. If you like Madonna, it’s…ok, you might not like it.
Staats has gotten quite a bit of attention and press coverage over the last year. Unfortunately, most of it has focused on the fact that, in spite of finding musical success, he hasn’t quit his day job — as a UPS driver. This guy can play the heck out of the mandolin, however, and deserves the attention for that.
I’m not easily impressed by technical prowess in musician, because too often it’s not backed up with melody value of equal merit. Staats backs up his bewildering technical ability with a melodic sense that’s just as strong…and that’s true talent.
