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The New Acoustic Collective

The New Acoustic Collective features many of the top up-and-coming jazz, bluegrass, and classical musicians in the Bay Area, combining a variety of strings to bring a modern and unique sound to the New Acoustic Music canon. The collective includes band leader and composer Jason Keiser (guitar), Rodrigo Ruiz (arco/pizz. double bass), and Nathaniel Grohmann (cello).

The New Acoustic Collective has released 2 albums previously including "Buckwild" released December 27th, 2020, and "Art of Acoustics" featuring special guest; Wyatt Rice on September 20th, 2021.

After their "Art of Acoustics" album release, The NAC traveled on tour to North Carolina, where they performed as Official Showcase Artists in the International Bluegrass Music Associations World of Bluegrass, as Official Showcase Artists performing in the Bluegrass Ramble. Just after the release of their 2nd record; The NAC performed 2 Official Showcases at both The Pour House Music Hall in Downtown Raleigh North Carolina and in the Raleigh Convention Center featuring special guest mandolinist Thomas Cassell. This was The NAC's debut of their modern New Acoustic, SpaceGrass, and Acoustic Jazz music for everyone at IBMA!

Since returning back from IBMA in October of 2021, The NAC has been busy writing and preparing new material after band personnel turn over took place, the band took a new musical direction with stride! From then until March of 2022, The NAC prepared a new set of music which was recorded at the beginning of March of 2022 and this new music will be released as their 3rd record "Amor En Ritmo". "Amor en Ritmo" features many prolific special guest musicians including professional double bassist, Member of The David Grisman Quintet; Jim Kerwin, professional mandolinist, Band Leader of Circus No. 9 & National Mandolin Champion; Thomas Cassell, professional vocalist, arranger, and producer; Melissa Garay, and Acoustic Disc Recording Artist, colleague of David Grisman and Mike Marshall; Mike Mullins!

The new sounds and styles expected to be heard on "Amor en Ritmo" fuse the styles of New Acoustic, The Dawg music of David Grisman, Jazz, latin jazz/salsa, flamenco, bolero, bossa, and many other latin music rhythms fused with world music!

To stay up to date with current music by The NAC; please visit their Spotify Page where their new single "Black Orpheus" was released on Friday, May 6th and visit their linktree for more info, shows, etc at https://linktr.ee/newacousticcollective.

Wyatt Rice of the Tony Rice Unit mentions, "I couldn’t be more proud of how Jason and Company are carrying on the torch of New Acoustic, Dawg, and SpaceGrass music.”

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Press for "Black Orpheus" Single Release 5/6/22:

“It sounds very good, fresh style and great playing of Jason and his band!!!

Enrique Coria Professional Guitarist Former Guitarist & Member; David Grisman Quintet https://acousticdisc.com/enrique-coria/

An exquisite blend of Bolero, salsa, and flamenco complemented by outstanding musical performances on guitar, vocals, and trumpet. Jason and The New Acoustic Collective have really captured multiple styles of Latin music all rolled into one song!”

Jeff Lewis Professional Jazz Trumpet Player Adjunct Faculty, Jazz Trumpet and Director of Latin Jazz Ensemble, San Jose State University

Press for "Black Orpheus" Single Release 5/6/22:

“It sounds very good, fresh style and great playing of Jason and his band!!!

Enrique Coria Professional Guitarist Former Guitarist & Member; David Grisman Quintet https://acousticdisc.com/enrique-coria/

Jeff Lewis Professional Jazz Trumpet Player Adjunct Faculty, Jazz Trumpet and Director of Latin Jazz Ensemble, San Jose State University

“Last week I listened to The New Acoustic Collective’s previous single like ten times in a row, so I was really excited to get my hands on their recording of Black Orpheus! Right out of the intro I was captivated. As I expected, there is masterful playing and vocals and a really great arrangement. Get a copy right away and put on some good headphones. You will love it!”

Nate Lee Professional Mandolinist Educator Website

Press for 4/1/22 "Dawg's Cha Cha" (feat. Jim Kerwin & Thomas Cassell) Single Release:

"The New Acoustic Collective is more than a collective. Not only do these highly talented, tight-knit players use their considerable skills to pay homage to the timeless durability of Dawg and New Acoustic Music, they are advancing the genre's boundaries with inspired, impeccably played compositions such their newly released single; “Dawg’s Cha Cha". Way to carry the torch forward guys! What will you do next?"

~ Mike Mullins, mandolinist, guitarist, composer, Acoustic Disc recording artist

Other Press:

"The music you hear The New Acoustic Collective play on their debut EP “Buckwild” holds and carries on the legacy of New Acoustic, Dawg, and SpaceGrass music to another generation of listeners, and musicians interested in mastering these innovative improvisational styles of music. I couldn’t be more proud of how Jason and Company are carrying on the torch of New Acoustic, Dawg, and SpaceGrass music. I highly recommend you check out “Buckwild”, by The New Acoustic Collective”!

Wyatt Rice Legendary bluegrass guitarist, The Tony Rice Unit, Rice Recording, ETSU Bluegrass, Old-Time, & Country Music Studies

“As one of the progenitors of ’New Acoustic Music’ back in the 1970s I must say that I am overwhelmed by the evolution of the form and its continued excellence. This band ’The New Acoustic Collective’ is one of the most innovative to appear so far.... The chop is generously ladled throughout, as its inventor I couldn’t be more proud. These guys totally cook and their composing and arranging skills are awesome. I am honored that they asked me to contribute these few words, you’ve got to check them out!

Richard Greene

"These young West Coast musicians are carrying the torch high for Acoustic String Music, and I expect great things from them”.

Darol Anger fiddler, composer, producer and educator founding member of The David Grisman Quintet, 1977-1985

"These young cats are burning up some New Acoustic Music! Thanks guys.” Mike Marshall Grammy Nominated Professional Mandolinist David Grisman Quintet alum 1978-1990

"E.M.D." Single Release Press:

"I love your version, it's so good, dynamic and very well played!!!” Enrique Coria Professional Guitarist David Grisman Quintet alum 1995-2006

"Just recently I had the pleasure of hearing the New Acoustic Collective playing a rendition of a David Grisman composition, “E.M.D.” It was terrific.

I first heard the song played by Dave, some years back, assisted by Tony Rice, Mark O’Connor, and Rob Wasserman. I was knocked out at what I heard, and amazed at the quality of improv and ensemble!

[The New Acoustic Collective] capture's the spirit of “E.M.D.” with amazing energy and musical ability. The solos are wonderful and the support exhibited by the group is admirable! This group does much to bring beautiful and exciting music to fans of all styles.

Keep an eye and an ear on this group!"

Rusty Holloway Rusty’s Bass Garage

"Buckwild" EP Review by Thomas Cassell, mandolinist, educator, writer

"New Acoustic Music has always existed on the outskirts of the bluegrass and jazz worlds since its creation. While musicians sidelined from the traditional bluegrass world often find themselves in that space, it is less common to have jazz musicians reaching out from the other side – which when they do, makes it all the more delightful. The harsh reality of “spacegrass” is that while many can pull off the note filled solos, burning tempos, or intricate chord structures, very few can capture its true energy. On Buckwild, that is exactly what these young West Coast musicians have done.

Without hesitation, the EP begins with a smoky warmth captured in “Dave’s Place,” a composition originally pinned by spacegrass veteran Wyatt Rice. The song burns, weaving in and out of its musical structure and layers. It is quite obvious from the start Keiser’s grounding in this small genre, with years of discipleship to Rice under his belt. Yet, the album is a collective, hence the group’s title. The narrative is shared, and the project is made better for it.

Just a few breaths after our proof of this group’s command, we are presented with the new aesthetic of “Buckwild,” blurring traditional bluegrass parameters with modality and challenged tonality. The track is a new interpretation of – or perhaps contribution to – the New Acoustic genre. Yet further, we continue into “Val’s for Dawg,” an homage to the genre’s founder David Grisman and the “Dawg music” of the late 1970s. This hot club waltz is quite reminiscent compositions that you may hear on Grisman’s Hot Dawg or Quintet ‘80.

“E.M.D.” is a particular highlight on this album, once again reinforcing the New Acoustic Collective’s authority to be playing this music, and their contributions to it. The energy and intensity are both nailed just as they were on the original David Grisman Quintet in 1977. The shift from this new acoustic staple to the collaborated ‘Interlude 2 (outro)” is picturescent, and the perfect change in pace to conclude a wonderful series of original and staple material, newly contributed to the legacy of New Acoustic Music.

For fans of David Grisman or Tony Rice – or any new acoustic sound – Buckwild is a worthwhile journey deserving of more than just a casual listen. As this genre continues to evolve and be change by younger musicians from many genres and places, let [The New Acoustic Collective] guide you through its Northern California origins to an exciting future".

—Thomas Cassell, mandolinist, educator, writer

New Acoustic Collective “Buckwild” EP Bandcamp: https://newacousticcollective.bandcamp.com/album/buckwild

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