Long-time cohorts in Portland, Oregon, guitarists/bassists David Martin and Mike Doolin teamed up on the well-regarded Reflections (2009), and in 2014, repeated the collaboration on Tough Commute. (Once Martin relocated to the Twin Cities a few years ago, their collaboration required a “tough commute.”) The duo didn’t wait so long this time, as their new Dark Star will be celebrated at five different Twin Cities venues in five days, starting at the Icehouse on November 28, and wrapping up at Jazz Central on December 2. And if that’s not enough guitar, Mike and Dave will hold a guitar-building and repair workshop on December 3 at the St Paul Guitar Center.
Andrea Canter - Jazz Police
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Long-time cohorts in Portland, Oregon, guitarists/bassists David Martin and Mike Doolin teamed up on the well-regarded Reflections (2009), and in 2014, repeated the collaboration on Tough Commute. (Once Martin relocated to the Twin Cities a few years ago, their collaboration required a “tough commute.”) The duo didn’t wait so long this time, as their new Dark Star will be celebrated at five different Twin Cities venues in five days, starting at the Icehouse on November 28, and wrapping up at Jazz Central on December 2. And if that’s not enough guitar, Mike and Dave will hold a guitar-building and repair workshop on December 3 at the St Paul Guitar Center.
Andrea Canter - Jazz Police
“Mike Doolin and David Martin are guitarists from Portland, Ore., and Charleston, W.Va., respectively. Martin always looks forward to playing in West Virginia. "I'm very excited. The people in charge have been great to work with," Martin said. "I am especially excited that Mike will be making the trip all the way out here to play with me from Portland."”
Celeste Lantz - The Daily Athenaeum from West Virginia University
“Fantastic! by bionictangerine I've been a fan of Mike Doolin for about a year now - and this album, which he recorded with his pal David Martin - is not to be missed out on. These two are fantastic live, and if you miss a chance to see them together, you'll kick yourself. They both have amazing guitar and bass playing skills, and make everything look effortless, natural and joyful. "Reflection" features songs written by each of them, and is as rich and rewarding as the best first cup of coffee you've ever had waking up to the sun after a night of hard rain. It's eclectic enough for every section of your favorite sunday newspaper. David Martin currently calls West Virginia home, while Mike Doolin is in Portland, Oregon; so your opportunity to see either one of them is currently coastal. They do get together though, so keep an eye out. The whole album is a must-have, but I'm currently digging "Riane," "Sumb Thumb," and "B Movie Love Theme." A set of 11 very happy discoveries.”
Bionictangerine - ITunes
I always encourage people that have heard the cd to give us their thoughts and Jerome was nice enough to do that. Jerome is an artist, graphic designer, and portrait watercolorist here in the Twin Cities:
"There is nothing negative i can say about the music. I am very impressed! You should be very proud. This CD is beautifully produced, creative, and well conceived. I might add the engineering was spot-on, too. I enjoyed the different aural aspects of the instrumentation. The inventive sound effects on the guitars are a treat. This is a mature, confident, professional project. The execution, meaning the playing, is excellent. Really, I can't say anything negative at all, just a great group of songs played superbly. I have to admit that my mind wandered a bit on some of the solos. I wouldn't call it overplaying or "noodling". I chalk it up to my own short attention span. The artists that came to mind while I listened are Pat Metheny, Jeff Beck, Lee Ritenour and yes, Frank Zappa. I love the modern feel to this, the "fusion" feel of jazz with rock. I know that's nothing new, but this CD felt new and inspired. The innovative rhythm interested me a lot. I like to be challenged. All in all, a very satisfying listen. the CD will be in my car. I will listen to it as much as "There and Back" by Jeff Beck or "Wes Bound" by Ritenour. I will also recommend this CD to friends I think will enjoy this. My favorite tunes are "B" Movie Love Theme, Sumb Thumb, Red State, and Fool Me Once. That's from the first listen. I'm sure i will find more to like. Thank you for the privilege to listen and give my review. Much appreciated."
Jerome Beckley, Minneapolis, MN
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