I decided to review Out Of The Blue, seven years after its release, because I feel it reveals three specific truths about Alison Brown.

First, she is a banjoist extraordinaire.

Second, her musicianship reaches far beyond bluegrass – she and Bela Fleck won a Grammy Award in 2000 in the Best Country Instrumental Performance category for “Leaving Cottondale”. Bluegrass may be where Brown first made her name but she is not a one-trick pony by any means.

Third, Brown surrounds herself with top-shelf players. Considering the abundance of so-so talent that has saturated the market these days, having journeyman-level musicians create together makes for a refreshing quality.

Out Of The Blue is a dominantly jazz CD but somewhat eclectic. For example, “Coast Walk”, “Four For Launch”, and the title track are more akin to lounge music that calls out for a martini. There is a touch of the jazz-fusion element, accompanied by banjo of course, with “Dante’s Peak”, “Road To Corossol”, “Return To Pelican Bay”, and “Rebel’s Bolero”. “Mood Ring” is more of a traditional jazz track while “Samba Del Sol” includes subtle Latino influences.

Without question, this is a great CD for cocktail parties. Also, the overall energy of the album can be helpful when a diversion is needed. For instance, this CD has often helped me get through washing the dishes. There are plenty of upbeat riffs that put a bounce in your step and a number of variations that lead themselves to different landscapes of the imagination. Yes, you will get a good deal of solid banjo play but it’s not the dominant force at all. The other instruments – piano, guitar, flute, and drums get a good share of attention too.

With this CD in your collection you instantly add to your cultural credibility without being boorish. Plus, it sounds great.

(Anthony Bates is a guest writer for 2 Walls Webzine and Music Director for Moozikoo.com)