Banjo-player Caleb Olin's all-instrumental debut album, "Tangled Roots," is a stimulating 40-minute melodic excursion through multiple genres from bluegrass to Celtic, new acoustic to swing, classical to Klezmer. The project includes nine original tunes, as well as two uncommon public domain tunes ("Woodpecker in the Deadin'" and "Coleraine"). Olin has assembled a stellar cast of supporting artists -- Gabe Witcher (fiddle), Ross Martin (guitar), Greg Schochet (mandolin), Eric Thorin (bass), Jeff Hamer (guitar), Jessie Burns (fiddle), Micahel Reid (concertina), Sean Sutherland (bouzouki), Marcus Reddick (drums), and Andy Wilson (harmonica).

Caleb Olin picks his 5-string with a considerable amount of chutzpah. His more melodic songs have a lyrical whimsy that easily get one whistling or humming along. Tunes like "Kristina's Reel" and "Handlebar McGee" are Olin's forte, while his rolls on the bluegrassy "Up Through the Middle and Out to the Side" seem a tad bit unpolished. "Lupine Dawn" is a heartwarming duet of just banjo and bass, while "Woodpecker in the Deadnin'" just pairs him up with Witcher's spunky fiddling.

Olin was born and raised in Kentucky on an eclectic musical fare of Mozart, Earl Scruggs, golden oldies, and hip hop. After studying piano and violin, he took up banjo at age 19. Caleb Olin picked with a wide variety of musicians during his eight years in Colorado. He then relocated to Louisville, KY. Olin is a banjo player with considerable oomph, demonstrating his ability to find a groove and apply graceful twists to his capricious and fanciful compositions. (Joe Ross)