Walk Along John (Corvus)

How great a mandolinist is John Reischman? Let’s put it this way: the instrument’s reigning superstar, Punch Brothers bandleader Chris Thile, learned to play Reischman’s “Itzbin Reel” when he was a mere fledgling of eight.

Just as Reischman’s own approach was informed by bluegrass master Bill Monroe and newgrass innovator David Grisman, the local resident has been inspiring younger players since he first came to attention in the 1980s as a member of Berkeley upstarts the Good Ol’ Persons. Walk Along John is, among other things, a chance for some of his longtime fans and friends to honour that legacy; guests include old-time fiddle master Bruce Molsky, dobro wizard Sally Van Meter, and Thile himself, on the sprightly version of “Itzbin Reel” that opens this generously proportioned 14-track release.

But the disc also offers an opportunity to hear Reischman in unusually unencumbered form. Three duets with Molsky, one with Toronto-based banjo prodigy Chris Coole, and a solo rendition of the traditional “Salt River” showcase the mandolinist’s unfailingly precise yet graceful ability to drive a tune.

If there’s anything to dislike here, it’s the punning title of that aforementioned reel. Everything else is pretty much perfect; expect to find Walk Along John on a whack of 2013 Top 10 lists, including mine.