David Grisman

The first time David Grisman heard bluegrass, his life was forever changed. Grisman was exposed to a range of folk and tradition-based music that was filling a rock `n’ roll void left by events including Elvis’ stint in the Army and the untimely death of Buddy Holly. He picked up a mandolin and became obsessed with playing like the master, Bill Monroe. Grisman also picked up a tape recorder, working as a producer and as a music historian with his mentor, Ralph Rinzler (the founder of Folkways). As he discovered jazz and developed a reputation as a session musician, he connected with other artists who were exploring the concept of “urban bluegrass,” such as Peter Rowan and Jerry Garcia (with whom he later formed Old & in the Way). While working on an acoustic instrumental album with fiddler Richard Greene, Grisman discovered the seed that would become the David Grisman Quintet – one of the most-beloved and enduring string bands recording today. Musicians that have passed through the DGQ ranks include Tony Rice, Darol Anger, Mark O-Connor, Mike Marshall and Joe Craven. The current DGQ line-up is made up of bassist Jim Kerwin, percussionist George Marsh, flutist Matt Eakle and guitarist Enrique Coria. In addition to his work on stage, Grisman is a successful producer and founder of the Acoustic Disc label. Argentinean guitarist Enrique Coria joined the David Grisman Quintet in 1994. He began playing professionally in his native Argentina at age 15, moving to Buenos Aries at 18. In his four decades as a working musician, Coria has performed on more than 400 recordings with groups in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Bolivia and the U.S. The music on his solo-recordings mixes the sounds of European classical music with the flavor of folk rhythms and harmonies from Latin America. Coria is featured with the DGQ on Dawgnovia and on his own Acoustic Disc released CDs – Solos from South America and Latin Touch.