Since I started playing the banjo, I followed the career of Alan Munde. I fist purchased his tabs and learned his arrangements some 45 years ago. I also had the honor of hosting Alan at one of my fretmentor workshops here in Florida. An interview we conducted then was published in issue #37 of the Fretboard Journal. Let’s just say I can’t get enough of Alan and his music. His latest collaboration with mandolin player, Billy Bright, is a gem.
Es Mi Suerte By Alan Munde & Billy Bright
Recently, I acquired Alan Munde’s new CD from the master himself. On the CD titled “Es Mi Suerte”, Alan Munde on banjo and Billy Bright on mandolin, together offer a selection of unique songs that are sure to thrill you all. Dom Fisher plays upright bass throughout and Dennis Ludiker (fiddle) and Trevor Smith (banjo) make an appearance as well. Not only are 8 of the 10 songs originals but the listener gets a mix of tradition and progressive bluegrass, 1950s folk, Texas waltzes, a blend of Tex-Mex-Cajun and a tinge of country gospel. One could call this album a journey into all styles of acoustic roots music.
Banjo Legend Alan Munde
There are certainly some wonderful compositions on this CD.
Jenny’s Desire – inspired by a line in Mother Goose’s nursery rhyme.
Wild Heron – A Billy Bright original inspired by a lake where Billy married his wife.
Mom’s Waltz – Another Billy Bright original that is a tribute to his mom and moms everywhere.
Oklahoma Bound – Alan’s musical tribute to his Norman, Oklahoma roots.
Es Mi Suerte – The title song which means “It is my fate”. This tune is a tribute to Alan’s great friend and producer of many of Alan’s albums until his death in 2015.
Dapple Pattie – Another Munde original named after his wife’s late dachshund.
Munde’s Night Waltz – Alan’s research of fiddler’s found that they love to make up their own chord patterns, so Alan, Billy and Dennis Ludiker on fiddle, did the same.
By The Side of the Road – A cover written by Albert E. Brumley, Sr., is a gospel song about lifestyle choices.
Going Bodmin – A Munde original in which the title is also a Cornish colloquial phrase signifying someone has gone crazy. Trevor Smith adds harmony parts and take a crazy banjo solo on this selection.
Goodnight Irene – A song credited to Huddie Ledbetter, aka Leadbelly. Both Billy and Alan recorded it with a casual late night campfire feel and later overdubbed the accompanying guitars.
Es Mi Suerte
Es mi Suerte is available for purchase on most digital music platforms, including AirPlay Direct, Spotify and ITunes.
I highly recommend you add this album to your collection of music.
