Chiaroscuro (1985)

In 1985, Darol Anger and Mike Marshall temporarily left the band Montreux to work on a separate project, focusing on their bluegrass roots. The result was "Chiaroscuro", which was named for their love of the Italian culture.

The album cover.

Here are two reviews from Amazon.com about this album:

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Keep Copies Everywhere April 8, 2004

By Marc Ruby

Format:Audio CD

"It's a bit of an embarrassment to admit that the thing that has gotten in the way of reviewing this album is that I keep forgetting to review and wind up just listening. All of the musicians at the heart of this album are remarkable. Darol Anger on violin, Mike Marshall on guitar, Michael Manring and Todd Phillips on Bass, Andy Narell on Steel Drums, Barbara Higbie on synth, and even George Marsh on triangle. Some of the best light jazz players of their time (1985), it is immediately apparent that they respect what each has to add to the mix and have a strong commitment to be something else besides 'yet another new age group.'

Darol Anger needs no introduction. 'Dolphins' and 'Spring Gesture' are hallmark tunes, that get a lot of airtime and inclusion in other collections. Mike Marshall is no slouch either, comfortable trading lines with Anger or stepping out for a short moment of Bach just to show off. These to are regular playing partners and have the entire Windham Hill stable of artists to draw one. This makes the player lists on their albums a catalog of wizardry. As I've already demonstrated, Chiaroscuro is no exception to that rule.

So the next time you are feeling that New Age music is a little to spacey, and that light jazz has vaporized, grab this album and give a listen. This is fun, showing off, and everything from Bach to blues in the blinking of an eye. And not by rote, but with every bit of imagination that they can muster. Anger and Marshall playing 'Piacenza' is something that needs to be experience at least once in every life. Trust me, this album is one of the reasons you have a shelf right next to your CD Player."

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Acoustic instrumentals at its very best September 30, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Audio CD

"If you enjoy contemporary (non- classical) violin music and acoustic guitar instrumentals, then the combination of the two here is without question a masterpiece. This is a must for any one who enjoys music. An easy to listen to, very impressive array of instrumentals that is relaxing and envigorating at the same time. Marshall and Anger have created a piece of music that trancends time and will always be a current favorite for a Sunday morning breakfast, romantic dinner, or (my favorite)..a ride in the country during foliage season. A great contemporary alternative to classical."

 Check out Dolphins! This song is beautiful on so many levels.

Here is this week's track listing: 

1. Dolphins 

2. Saurian's Farewell 

3. Beneath the Surface 

4. Spring Gesture 

5. Bach Prelude 

6. Piacenza 

7. Coming Back 

8. Dardanelles 

9. Bach Bouree (From the French Suite) 

10. Beloved Infidel

To purchase your own copy of the album, click here: 

http://www.amazon.com/Chiaroscuro-Darol-Anger/dp/B000000NGD