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Mads Tolling: The Playmaker

By Woodrow Wilkins
January 11, 2010
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Former wide receiver Michael Irvin earned his nickname, "The Playmaker," for his leadership and performance with the Dallas Cowboys. Violinist Mads Tolling honors several others whose play-making proficiency has helped their teams, whether in the athletic arena or on the stage.

A two-time Grammy Award-winner, Tolling is a native of Copenhagen, Denmark. He is a member of the Turtle Island Quartet, but has also performed with

Al Di Meola

guitar
b.1954

" data-original-title="" title="">Al Di Meola,

Kenny Barron

piano
b.1943

" data-original-title="" title="">Kenny Barron,

Paquito D'Rivera

clarinet
b.1948

" data-original-title="" title="">Paquito D'Rivera and Leo Kottke. For The Playmaker, he is accompanied mostly by bassist George Ban-Weiss, guitarist Mike Abraham and drummer Eric Garland. A few others contribute, including

Stanley Clarke

bass
b.1951

" data-original-title="" title="">Stanley Clarke and

Russell Ferrante

keyboards
b.1952

" data-original-title="" title="">Russell Ferrante.

The Playmaker suite begins with "The Playmaker," dedicated to National Football League star Tom Brady. It's an upbeat, yet easygoing selection. The rhythm section of Ban-Wess, Garland and Ferrante is sharp behind Tolling's lead. Ferrante solos on piano, backed by an electric bass line that is emphatic but not overbearing.

"The Risktaker" begins as a high-energy piece, with Ferrante's keyboard and Tolling's violin delivering a frantic lead. The pace downshifts to a strut, with the guitar adding a reggae feel. The tempo goes back and forth, much like a basketball team would shift from fast break to half court, either of which could suit LeBron James, to whom this track is dedicated. Vibraphonist

Stefon Harris

vibraphone
b.1973

" data-original-title="" title="">Stefon Harris is an effective sixth man next to Tolling, Garland, Ban-Weiss, Abraham and Ferrante, offering up a tasteful solo.

Ferrante is back to acoustic piano for "El Duderino," one of the few songs not dedicated to a playmaker. This track turns out to be a charming ballad. Tolling presents his more classical side, leaving room for Ferrante to show his skills.

Tolling and his sidemen rock on with a crafty cover of Led Zeppelin's "Black Dog." Abraham plays the electric like a classic rocker during a call-and-response with Tolling.

Other tracks are also dedicated to playmakers, among which are Zinedine Zidane,

John McLaughlin

guitar
b.1942

" data-original-title="" title="">John McLaughlin,

Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen

bass
1946 - 2005

" data-original-title="" title="">Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen and

Jaco Pastorius

bass, electric
1951 - 1987

" data-original-title="" title="">Jaco Pastorius. Tolling composed six of the eleven tracks on this album.

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Track Listing

Just; The Playmaker (for Tom Brady); The Contemplator (for Zinedine Zidane); The Risktaker (for LeBron James); El Duderino; Starmaker Machinery (for John McLaughlin); Loki in the Pokey; I Skovens Dybe Stille Ro (for NHOP); The Chicken (for Jaco Pastorius); Blue Monk; Black Dog.

Personnel

Mads Tolling

violin

Mads Tolling: violin; Mike Abraham: guitar (1, 3, 4, 6-11); George Ban-Weiss: acoustic and electric basses (1, 2, 4-11); Eric Garland: drums (1-5, 7-10); Stanley Clarke: acoustic bass (3); Russell Ferrante: piano and keyboard (2, 4, 5); Stefon Harris: vibraphone (3, 4); Jeff Mars: drums (6, 11).

Album information

Title: The Playmaker | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Madsman Records

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