I FIRST BECAME AWARE OF MANDO MAFIA nine months ago when Pete Marshall graciously offered to send me a copy of their "Take Two" cassette. From the first tune I knew I wanted to interview Mando Mafia for the Profiles section. Unfortunately, time and distance have prevented me from doing the interview thus far. As I finished each issue of MandoZine, it seemed incomplete without an acknowledgement to this talented group. Starting with this issue, I have added this "In the Spotlight" section, intended as somewhat of a "mini-profile" of mando greats that I eventually want to cover in greater depth. Mando Mafia is my first choice for the premiere of "In the Spotlight". What really impresses me about Mando Mafia, besides their abundant skill on their instruments, is the broad range of styles they play. This is not just music of the old world or new world, but of a global world. Using the full mando family of instruments (with the exception of string bass substituted for mando bass), Mando Mafia echoes the days of the mandolin ensemble early in this century. But their style is not parlor music waltzes, or classical arrangements. They provide a high energy drive to the music that showcases the tight interplay among the group, while emphasizing the eclectic nature of their music. The Mando Mafia have made me a musical offering that I can't refuse! Mando Mafia will be releasing a new CD in April, just in time for their scheduled appearance at the Merle Watson Memorial Festival (MerleFest).
