by Robert A. Margo
Classical Mandolin Society of America

John Goodin’s compositions are beloved by mandolin orchestras around the world. While various pieces have been recorded before (including by the Louisville Mandolin Orchestra) to my knowledge this new recording is the first devoted entirely to Goodin”s works.

There are nine works in all, two of which (“The Louisville Suite” and “Tales from Otter Creek”) are multi-movement. Goodin’s signature Americana language is on ample display here, such as in “North Georgia Hills” written for the Atlanta Mandolin Orchestra or the final track, “James Oswald on the Ohio” but there are also frequent chromatic passages and the occasional spicy dissonance to live things up and remind the listener (and player) of Goodin’s very big ears and omnivores musical tastes.

The LMO plays beautifully throughout with careful attention to tone quality, ensemble and dynamics. Any group wishing to play the pieces on the recording would do well to listen to the LMO renditions which, conveniently, can be done at the “Recording” page of the group’s website where one can also order downloadable or physical copies of the group’s recordings.