Dogtown Ramblers

Dogtown Ramblers

Dogtown Ramblers

Posted on: January 16, 2012 - 6:24 pm
by Admin


He likes them all, and this entertaining, highly musical album of 11 originals reflects his all-over-the-place eclecticism in new musical style he’s dubbed “Bermuda Grass,” a blend of Caribbean and bluegrass music. or, more accurately, a bluegrass tune followed by a Caribbean-flavored song and seldom the twain shall meet.

“Silent Spring,” for example, is pure bluegrass, featuring Coller on lead vocal, guitar and dobro. He’s backed by a stellar band of top Marin acoustic musicians

Audio: Dore Coller – Teatown Breakdown — Annie Staninec on fiddle, West Marin banjo whiz Tim Weed, mandolinist Dan Large, plus Willow Van Den Hoek and Lorin and Chris Rowan on harmony vocals.

“One Tack back,” on the other hand, is a Caribbean sailing song that Jimmy Buffet’s Parrot Heads would appreciate.

Coller is an in-demand guitarist and multi-instrumentalist who currently performs with the Hot Club of Marin, the Dogtown Ramblers and Ragged Glory, among other bands. He’s a fine singer, but he’s an even better guitar player. the strongest tracks on this CD are the instrumentals, most notably “Teatown Breakdown,” a lively bluegrass breakdown that showcases Coller’s masterful flatpicking on guitar, Weed’s banjo virtuosity, Staninec’s fine fiddling, a breezy bass solo by Joe Kyle Jr., Large’s strong mandolin work and even some snazzy spoon playing by Van Den Hoek.

That snappy tune is reflective of the crisp, clean playing that makes this CD an example of some very fine Marin musicianship, regardless of what you call it.

Buy it: “Life’s a Beach,” Dore Coller, independent, CD Baby, $12.97 CD, download MP3, $9.99.

— Paul Liberatore

If you’re a musician or band from Marin with an album or EP that readers can buy or download and want to be reviewed, send your CD and contact information, (if you have an upcoming gig, let us know that, too) to Press Play, 4000 Civic Center Drive, Suite 301, San Rafael, CA, 94903.



He likes them all, and this entertaining, highly musical album of 11 originals reflects his all-over-the-place eclecticism in new musical style he’s dubbed “Bermuda Grass,” a blend of Caribbean and bluegrass music. or, more accurately, a bluegrass tune followed by a Caribbean-flavored song and seldom the twain shall meet.

“Silent Spring,” for example, is pure bluegrass, featuring Coller on lead vocal, guitar and dobro. He’s backed by a stellar band of top Marin acoustic musicians

Audio: Dore Coller – Teatown Breakdown — Annie Staninec on fiddle, West Marin banjo whiz Tim Weed, mandolinist Dan Large, plus Willow Van Den Hoek and Lorin and Chris Rowan on harmony vocals.

“One Tack back,” on the other hand, is a Caribbean sailing song that Jimmy Buffet’s Parrot Heads would appreciate.

Coller is an in-demand guitarist and multi-instrumentalist who currently performs with the Hot Club of Marin, the Dogtown Ramblers and Ragged Glory, among other bands. He’s a fine singer, but he’s an even better guitar player. the strongest tracks on this CD are the instrumentals, most notably “Teatown Breakdown,” a lively bluegrass breakdown that showcases Coller’s masterful flatpicking on guitar, Weed’s banjo virtuosity, Staninec’s fine fiddling, a breezy bass solo by Joe Kyle Jr., Large’s strong mandolin work and even some snazzy spoon playing by Van Den Hoek.

That snappy tune is reflective of the crisp, clean playing that makes this CD an example of some very fine Marin musicianship, regardless of what you call it.

Buy it: “Life’s a Beach,” Dore Coller, independent, CD Baby, $12.97 CD, download MP3, $9.99.

— Paul Liberatore

If you’re a musician or band from Marin with an album or EP that readers can buy or download and want to be reviewed, send your CD and contact information, (if you have an upcoming gig, let us know that, too) to Press Play, 4000 Civic Center Drive, Suite 301, San Rafael, CA, 94903.