Hailing from Ireland, violinist David MacKenzie and pianist Josh Johnston release "Notes Home,"their second album together and follow up to their 2004 recording of "A Minor Happiness," essentially a concept album and duet of violin and piano. Unlike their first meeting, the duo enlist help from fellow countrymen guitarist Stephen McFarlane, bassist Andrew Csibi and percussionist Robbie Harris adding a bit more texture to the music. There are thirteen originals of light mellow and ballad-like pieces some drawing inspiration from the music Frenchman Stephane Grapelli and Joe Venuti, considered the father of the jazz violin. Read More
Although renowned as one of the world's great practical jokers (he once called a couple dozen bass players with an alleged gig ... Read the full Joe Venuti bio.