MVI, led by renowned guitarist Mark Vickness, have teamed up with mandolin virtuoso Mike Marshall to create “Mandolin Spring”, a joyful instrumental journey that showcases their boundless artistry. Their new release offers a vibrant composition that merges global musical influences with a spirit of playful exploration. This acts as the follow-up to MVI’s previous single “A Lot More Hot Apple Stuff” and Mike Marshall’s six-track EP that was released on Bandcamp, titled “Mike Marshall Mandocello Solo J.S. Bach Cello Suite #5 in Cm BWV 1011”.
Tuneful from the get-go, MVI and Mike Marshall present an indelible journey, whisking listeners away through a mountainous vision with both artists matching each other’s energy and feel-good vibes. It’s clear that they enjoyed their studio session together as you can hear it through the chords that are played throughout the track.
There’s a real sense of progression as more and more string instruments join the creation all the while keeping rhythm and flow amassing collectively in a brilliant crescendo at the end of each segment before a whole new section begins—this happens a few times, giving definition as new instruments take the spotlight. With an addicting quality to it, “Mandolin Spring” stands out as an immersive piece that captures attention through evolving rhythms and the seamless weaving of each musical layer.
MVI, which stands for Mark Vickness Interconnected, was founded to reflect the interconnectedness of today’s world. Drawing from an impressive array of musical genres and traditions, MVI’s compositions are built on Vickness’s Western classical foundation and his immersion in jazz, world music, and beyond. His ensemble brings together top-tier soloists, each contributing to a rich tapestry of sound. This dream team includes violinist Mads Tolling, cellist Joseph Hebert, bassist Dan Feiszli, tabla player Ty Burhoe, versatile wind player Matt Renzi, and Grammy-winning percussionist MB Gordy.
The group’s members have an extraordinary range, with Vickness noting the ensemble’s impressive skills, “We have a classical trio (violin, cello, oboe), a jazz quartet, percussion instruments from almost every continent and culture, and virtuoso players capable of playing pretty much anything I put in front of them from funk to raga style improvisation, from interwoven counterpoint to rock power chords, from a fast Irish 12/8 romp to an ambient textural musical tapestry and more—they do it all with ease and with an infectious energy that is palpable on every track. I could not be more grateful to be able to work with these remarkable musicians!”
“Mandolin Spring” stands as MVI’s newest progressive acoustic fusion piece. Its lively melodies are marked by Marshall’s distinct style on the mandolin. As one of America’s leading mandolinists and a three-time Grammy nominee, Marshall adds a unique layer to this collaboration. With a background spanning American roots music, European classical, jazz, pop, and Brazilian music, his contributions bring depth and variety to the single. Vickness sought out Marshall specifically to expand the sonic possibilities of the mandolin, resulting in a collaboration that brings Marshall’s mastery and Vickness’s guitar artistry into seamless harmony.
For Vickness, collaborating with a musician of Marshall’s calibre is deeply rewarding. Reflecting on the experience, he says, “This is a true collaboration in that I came up with the basics for MVI, and Mike contributed the entirety of the featured mandolin part. Such a joy to work with a musician/composer of his caliber and pedigree!” Marshall’s own enthusiasm for the project shines through, as he described MVI’s members as “wonderful, expressive pros,” adding that, “It was a joy to work with them on ‘Mandolin Spring’!”
With its intricate melodies and richly layered percussive elements, “Mandolin Spring” is a sonic celebration of instrumental prowess and artistic collaboration. This single not only embodies the harmonious partnership between MVI and Mike Marshall but also stands as a testament to the universal language of music.
“Mandolin Spring”, by MVI and Mike Marshall, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms.