"Jaded Mandolin is already among the most promising local neotrad string bands. On its debut eponymous album, the quartet treats traditional songs with just the right balance of respect and invention. But the real wonder is the precociously heart-wise songwriting. Their originals occupy the same brooding ground that urban songwriters love to wander, but they always turn toward some useful, brighter purpose." --Scott Alarik, Boston Globe
Beginning in the summer of 2005, the quartet of teenaged homeschoolers got together to play music. Almost by accident, by frequenting open mikes, they developed a following and went with it. In 2006, along with producer/engineer Eric Kilburn (Crooked Still, Catie Curtis, Dar Williams, Halali) they recorded their debut, self titled release at Wellspring Sound. They released the album to a capacity crowd at Club Passim in Cambridge, and drew rave reviews from Scott Alarik (Boston Globe) and Daniel Gewertz (Boston Herald): "This exciting debut album by the local, teenaged, old-time string band will surpass even the high expectations of those who’ve seen them play...Jaded Mandolin creates a dark, swirling instrumental intensity that sounds personal." The band was featured regularly at Passim, as well as performing at venues such as The Me & Thee Coffeehouse, The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse, The Westford Museum, The MassBluegrass Jamboree, Amazing Things Arts Center, The Natick Center for the Arts, The Emerson Umbrella and many others. In the Summer of 2007, they competed in the first annual band competition on the main stage of the Podunk Bluegrass Festival in Connecticut, coming in behind their friends Tripping Lily and Joy Kills Sorrow. As its members dispersed to pursue higher education, the band took a hiatus, but is now back! Even though some of its members are verging on -- or have even slightly surpassed -- the ripe old age of 20, the music and performance energy are as fresh and youthful as ever. Inspired by the vibrant folk scene in their hometown, the members of Jaded Mandolin grew up listening to local musicians and songwriters. These early influences add an essential element to their interpretations of classic folk, as well as their original compositions: respect and appreciation for a song. Drawing from the varied history of traditional string music, they create intricate arrangements of old and new tunes, adding color but always letting the song shine. They have been likened to local Boston favorites, The Resophonics, whose frontman Sean Staples says: "Jaded Mandolin brings an infectious youthful energy and enthusiasm to their music, though there is an obvious respect for the history of the songs. Seeing them, I feel like the future of the tradition is in good hands."
The group features original members Eric McDonald (mandolin, guitar, vocals) and Molly Pinto Madigan (vocals), joined by guest artists drawn from the ranks of the area's best local players -- including Avi Salloway, Scott Corneille, Miles Anderson, Trent Freeman and others.
Hey y'all. I was just listening to "Mountain" and it gets me every time. I love it very much. I remember the Nameless show that I saw you at, and the first time hearing it I cried. I still tear up. And, I think that that is a good thing. <3
Thanks for the great Passim show last night -- so sorry it was your last (but I'm glad to have been there to experience it). I'll keep an eye out for all the other musical incarnations you'll be showing up in . . . and hoping for a reunion tour!
Thanks for adding me...your music is great! I see you have Blue Moose on your top list...I'm a good friend of the Nykelharpa player for the band. Again, your music is really fantastic.
OK, so I've noticed this disturbing phenomenon of certain members of Jaded Mandolin getting pretty serious haircuts and looking like respectable citizens. Um? I've tried it -- it only works just so much...
You were really great tonight in Concord. I had such a fun time, and Eric, I really, really liked the new one (Let's see, can i fit any more commas in this sentence?).
Haha! Oh dear, my forwardness has gotten me in trouble again. I hope he can forgive me, as I plan to see you guys again! Or maybe he'll just have to suck it up, grin and bear it and you guys can enjoy that.
I was at the Nameless last night and thought y'all were great! "Echo of a Lamentation" really got to me, and I thought it was wicked beautiful. Adrian, sorry if I freaked you out while you were on your phone after the show, just wanted to say hi and great job.
hey guys, been a while, hope all is well...taking over the world? hey, i have the first solo show in boston for a long time. I would love to see you guys down there. the other acts are pretty sweet too. peace, jahn
Hello everyone!
My name is Sloane and I am sitting here with my friend Krystina, we were
both at your performance last night (we were the ones sitting in the
second row for about 2 hours)and we just wanted to congratulate you on
what a great job you all did!
Eric- you have such a great voice and the mandolin sounded incredible!
Molly- you have one of the prettiest voices we have EVER heard, it is so
peaceful and calming
Michael- you are so talented! that pretty much sums it up!
Adrian- the bass sounded great! the way your hands moved was amazing!
![Holly [[♥]] Rose](http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/29/s_291c9ed9c57f442ca33fb43663dcda4b.jpg)
