Bending the Rules (OMS Records OMS 25180-2, 2004) is a studio album from mandolinist Jesse McReynolds — co-founder with his late brother Jim of the iconic duo Jim & Jesse — presenting eight original McReynolds compositions and four traditional pieces in a pure mandolin-and-fiddle duo format. McReynolds plays mandolin throughout, applying the split-string crosspicking technique he developed and which became one of the most distinctive sounds in bluegrass mandolin playing; Travis Wetzel plays fiddle. The album was nominated for IBMA Instrumental Recording of the Year in 2004 and named among CMT's Top 10 Country Albums of the year — a recognition reflecting how far the stripped-down duo format could carry McReynolds' harmonic invention without the support of a full ensemble or vocal performances.
Tracklist
- 1 Bending The Rules 2:39
- 2 Witch Grass 2:28
- 3 Blowin' Up A Storm 3:17
- 4 Vicious Circle 2:22
- 5 Night Runner 2:46
- 6 El Cumbanchero Source Recording 2:49
- 7 Waltz Of Joy 2:44
- 8 Limehouse Blues alt version 1:20
- 9 Sweet Georgia Brown alt version 4:05
- 10 Water's Edge 2:59
- 11 Alabama Jubilee alt version 2:52
- 12 Okeechobee Wind 3:50
