September 3, 2010
Turtle Island Quartet (Telarc)
The Turtle Island Quartet — established 25 years ago in San Francisco by violinist-composer David Balakrishnan as a jazz string group with folk, rock and world influences — has retained its boundary-blurring energy despite an evolving membership. Following a 2007 set devoted to John Coltrane, the foursome showcases its takes on the visionary Jimi Hendrix. Some of these arrangements are strikingly soulful. “Hey Joe” has a mournful, deep-blues quality, reflecting the murder ballad’s lyrics. “Gyspy Eyes” features jazz star Stefon Harris adding his vibraphone to colorizing effect. These tracks might turn a rocker onto chamber music and a classical devotee onto Hendrix. The other beauty is Balakrishnan’s own suite “Tree of Life,” which blends raga, bluegrass, jazz and other genres into a beautiful mash-up.

— Bradley Bambarger