Mandolin Project 2026 – “The Carrot’s Retreat” -Table for two: written and performed by Thierry Schoysman, accompanied by Signe Borch

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Thierry Schoysman plays a Kentucky “Dawg” mandolin, built in 1985, #85831.
This model is based on a John Monteleone design. At the time, David Grisman had related his “Dawg” nickname to this model; he had two of them with him during his European tour in July 1984. This inspired Thierry to buy this mandolin shortly thereafter, in 1985 or 1986.
Signe Borch plays a Capek “A-style” mandolin, April 2015, #364.
Guitar overdub (Thierry): Collings D1, 2025, #35964.

About “The Carrot’s Retreat”, Thierry Schoysman said:
“Like all my other compositions, I wrote this piece for multiple mandolins.
I really like the transitions from minor to major.
The unusual chord in this piece is the Eb between the G and the A before returning to D. But it makes sense when you realize that Eb is a substitute for A. Thanks to Bill Keith for teaching me that, back in 1982…
Mike Marshall once asked me why I often included the word ‘Carrot’ in the titles of my compositions. My answer: another guy had already taken the word “Dawg”… “. Alternative French title: “Les Carottes sont cuites“

Thierry Schoysman is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in American roots music (Bluegrass, Americana). A renowned banjo player, he first made a name for himself in this field as a promoter of Bill Keith’s style in Europe. He has dedicated a specialized educational website to KeithStyle and leads numerous workshops and masterclasses in this area.
https://www.keithstyle.com/

Also known for his mastery of vocal harmonies, he has also developed a website dedicated to learning bluegrass harmonies, featuring vocal tracks that can be adjusted separately for learning lead, tenor, and baritone parts.
https://www.bluegrass-harmony.com/

“Table for Two” is a cross-border duo that has brought together Belgian musician Thierry Schoysman and Danish musician Signe Borch since 2016. The project includes mandolin duos, as well as banjo/guitar duos with two-part vocal harmonies.
https://www.table-for-two.be/

A member of several groups, as a banjo player (Rawhide) or mandolin player, and of course a singer, he has been a pillar of the European bluegrass community for several decades.
https://www.rawhide.be/
https://www.bluegrass.be/

Signe Borch grew up in a musical family, playing piano and singing in harmony with her sisters. She started playing guitar at 12, then played electric guitar in Danish rock bands. She later discovered bluegrass, which she plays on guitar, mandolin, and sings. She is the President of the Danish bluegrass association, “Bluegrass Music Denmark”. She is a member of the band No Man’s Land, as a guitarist and singer, and has also been performing with Thierry Schoysman in “Table for Two” since 2016.
https://nomanslandbluegrass.com/signe.html