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-- from Sue Mary Fox, artist and contemporary quiltmaker I'm still thrilling from the memory of the Winter Harbor gig. What a kick to hear so much new material! I love how comfortable y'all are with one another and the whole "on-stage" thing. The relationship you have (as a unit - and with the audience ) is terrific. That's the essence of great performance in my book - working the energy between the house and the stage. It was a sweet night. I love the "shtick" you have worked up for some of your tunes - and that you've obviously thought about your intros to tunes so clearly. Even the ad libs are fun. Yes, it's all good. Some of the new material floored me. Delaney's sweet Suite could go on forever in my ear and I'd die a happy woman... -- from Ginger Yang Hwalek, Director of the Maine Summer Youth Music Camp On behalf of MSYM, I want to thank you so much for performing for us at Senior Camp 2007. One of my goals as director is to expose the campers to as many different kinds of music as possible in a short amount of time. I must admit I also had selfish reasons: after hearing you perform at the New Year's Eve Ball Drop [in Bangor], I knew I had to hear you again, and knew that a music summer camp would make a great setting. I'm so glad it worked out that you could be with us, and I certainly do hope our paths cross again. Thank you again for sharing with us your wonderful talent and stage presence. -- from Spencer Morrow, friend & fan Just wanted to tell you that 4 Evergreen arrived safe and sound, and is a great disc. I'm blown away by the group's musicianship, and how your arrangements always play to the band's strengths. Your version of the Kruger Brothers song is beautifully plaintive, and a couple of the numbers conjure up memories I have of sitting in East Colorado roadhouses watching people two-step to the accompaniment of a juke box, with added percussion of billiard balls clacking. "Five Geese" makes me want to get back to Maine as soon as I can. And bravo for "Still We Go To War"; it carries the gentle determination of Pete Seeger with touches of the irony of Phil Ochs. All around a most enjoyable record. -- from the 4 Evergreen liner notes, by Sam Pfeifle What's always impressed me most about Evergreen is how sure of themselves they are. These folks are clearly music fans as much as they are musicians. They choose songs they like, and play them in ways that show off their considerable talents. They also have an energy that's undeniable. Together, like every great band, they are much more than the sum of their parts. -- from Alex Corcoran of Hummelstown, PA Thank you so much for playing at my brother's memorial celebration. I can’t tell you how many compliments I received over the quality of your musicianship and the band's perfect fit with the celebration. In addition, my dad was thrilled that you spent the time to replay Guy Clark's 'Boats To Build' for him. The band provided a perfect backdrop for folks as they continued to talk, catch-up and share stories about my brother. -- from Rick Lang, New England songwriter extraordinaire The recording [4 Evergreen] is terrific... excellent songs... very well produced... and very enjoyable to listen to. Joe, your harmonica playing is exceptional & really works well on all the tunes here. Congrats to the whole Evergreen gang on a job well done. -- from neighbor, friend, and fellow musician Toby Hall I was so moved by your performance last night at the Center Theatre I had to let you all know. Your style, talent & command of the sound system sent out a message of excitement with toe-tapping, hand-clapping rhythms that put big smiles on the faces of working class folks of this area. I could feel it and see it work its indescribable magic into hearts and souls of neighbors, friends and families. I want the four of you to know how greatly appreciated your gifts of music are to this community. Let me also say we were not only listening, but even more, feeling the music. You are true artists. Thanks for letting me see the smiles in our community. -- from an unknown friend on the west coast As a stranger, a few years back, on a cold and lonely New Year's Eve in Belfast, your group went out of the way to make me feel like I was among friends. You won't remember this, but I will never forget it. The best of everthing in all you do and keep singing. Susan (back home in semi-coastal California) -- from newlyweds Sam & Kyle Warren We wanted to write and thank you for the great music you played at our wedding. After hearing you play live, it's no surprise to us why you are the hottest band in Maine -- what an amazing, lively sound you have together. What a treat. We can't wait to come see you play at festivals next summer! -- from singer-songwriter Charley Earley, of "Never 2 Late" Thank you very much for including us in last night's Evergreen FanFest... man! What an evening, the atmosphere, the hall, the desserts, the music, the young musicians (super!), and your sets were just perfect down home good time fun. The boys and I especially enjoyed having the opportunity to share our music with your audience and that single mike method was a real ear opener for us! -- from the "Dream Reel" liner notes by Pati Crooker, T.P.B. Bluegrass Fest. Evergreen has succeeded in bringing together a collection of upbeat numbers mixed with lonesome blues that leads you on a wonderful musical journey to warm days and cool nights spent outdoors in the company of family and friends at your favorite festival, club or get-together. I love listening to Joe step up to the mike — his harmonica adds that little “spark” that makes the journey that much more interesting. The smooth harmonies stir your emotions and your spirit. There is some wonderful instrumental work throughout, showcased in Chris Prickitt’s fiddle tune, “Come Play the Fiddle with Me”. Previewing a project is always a privilege, but it is an honor when that project comes from the heart of dedicated and talented musicians from my home state of Maine. Listening to this band work together to create a fresh blend of musical numbers will make you want to listen again and again. Go ahead, play it again... Enjoy! -- from the "Dream Reel" liner notes by Paul Woodfin, Face Magazine A lot of fuss has been made about just what kind of music this is. If it’s bluegrass, what’s with the harp? Isn’t that a swing tune? How’d the folk songs get in there? Well, no more fussing I say. It’s just good. Period. As Peter Schickele says, “If it sounds good, it is good.” Evergreen’s sound is a melting pot of styles and influences, of instruments and personalities, of the past and the here and now. And no better way to describe it than “distinctive”. Joe’s unmistakable harp, Steve’s consummate songwriting and consoling voice, Nell’s true-to-tradition song styling and harmonies, Chris’s melodic, texturally intricate banjo picking — all members of this well-respected Maine ensemble contribute unique elements to the quartet’s instantly recognizable sound. Bold harmonies permeate this recording. The depth of instrumentation is subtle but irresistible. Dream Reel is the latest in what we’ve grown to expect from Evergreen. -- from Ted DeMille, guitarist and vocalist with North Star and with Erica Brown These four talented individuals and some well-chosen friends have produced a recording [Common Place] that is grounded in the acoustic music tradition. The blend of their voices and instruments, the careful arrangements of the well-chosen material, and the passion and commitment with which it is all performed combine for an enjoyable listening experience from beginning to end. I can't help but mention that this recording reminds me of Maine itself - traditional and solid, yet defying precise categorization. -- from Charlie Hansen, DJ on CFCY FM in Charlottetown PEI, Canada The musicianship is outstanding on both CDs [Common Place and Dream Reel]. There is a definite folk influence that makes for a fresh and different slant on the tunes that would normally be considered straight ahead bluegrass. The harmonica is an excellent replacement for resophonic guitar and gives the music a different and quite distinct voice. -- from Dave Budge, founding member of Bluegrass Supply Company As you know, I'm sort of a middle-of-the-roader when it comes to bluegrass. A half-hour festival set of just one particular style, whether it be traditional or newgrass is usually about my limit. My favorites are the bands who incorporate a little grass, a little country, a little folk and, yes, even a little rock Into their music. Therefore, I prefer groups like the Seldom Scene, Allison Krauss, Country Gentlemen, etc. Your group falls within that category. I really like your song selection, especially the originals. You're very solid and well rehearsed. The variations of your vocal trios is refreshing (not always the same three singing the same parts). I also like your sharing of the emcee duties. This always seems to build a rapport with the audience. Keep up the good work and I'll look forward to seeing you again in the near future! -- from the "Dream Reel" liner notes by Darwin Davidson, DJ at WERU Evergreen has style in abundance. In addition to being very adept instrumentalists, they are all very comfortable singing lead on a variety of tracks. Whether they are doing one of the half-dozen songs written by Chris Prickitt or Steve Chiasson, or one of the other eleven songs from either a high-profile songwriter or a local New England tunesmith, they treat all the songs with that great Evergreen style. -- from Chris Darling, DJ on WMPG I'm not sure if it's the instrumentation, arrangements or the vocals which win me over, but all are of the exceptional kind! I'll be including tracks on my show, install the disc [Dream Reel] into the library, and "heads-up" my associate DJs here @ WMPG. -- from Liz Carter, friend and Breakneck Mountain Festival regular I've listened to your new CD [Dream Reel] many times and love it. Your personal pieces are all wonderful. I love "Let's Talk About Love," Come Play The Fiddle With Me," "Liza Brown," -- and I love the way you do "Wayfaring Stranger." From end to end it's wonderful. You've done such a fine job -- your style, your singing, your beautiful instrumental work, what you choose and how you put it all together -- well done, Evergreen! -- from Bill Gibson, guitarist for The Misty Mountaineers I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your Dream Reel CD. The arrangements were great! It's nice to hear something different. Instrumentation was great, rhythm parts and leads were flawless! Vocals were music to my ears. It's nice to hear and to realize that you work hard at doing music the way it should be done. I was listening to some of my old Flatt & Scruggs albums the other day, and didn't realize how much harmonica was part of their band... -- from Tina Spearrin, creator of the world's finest carrot cake In life as people we look for the rhythm of life. Our very existence seems to be drawn into that rhythm and to keeping the beat in a pace with the world. Sometimes in life we find friends with the same rhythm, as if we are all destined to share a song with the same beat, not missing a step in the connection. These friends become like family to us. You as a band and as individuals seem caught in the same rhythm, which is a wonderful thing that we share. Always keep picking! -- from Rick Lang, New England songwriter extraordinaire I've been listening to it [Dream Reel] all weekend - great job. Nice bunch of songs performed very tastefully - with creative arrangements - and overall very pleasant to listen to. I've always liked your band because you have a little different "spin" to the music you play than other groups I've heard, that is distinctly your own. You should all feel very proud of what you have accomplished together. ps Joe - your harmonica playing throughout the new recording was outstanding! -- from Miroslaw Desperak, DJ at Inst. of Technology FM Radio, Poland It [Dream Reel] is a fantastic collection of bluegrass, folk and traditional songs. I was so happy to play it on the air, and believe it or not you are an overnite success here. I got many, many requests to repeat most of your beautiful songs. You are very talented musicians. Most of all, we were impressed by that distinctive harmonica playing. We also love the great fiddle and guitar. All the songs are superb but the most requested ones are the classic Wayfaring Stranger, Lonesome Pine, You Put The Blue In Me, Liza Brown, River And Rain and Bad Case Of Loving You. My personal favorites are Come Play The Fiddle With Me, Ossipee Run and Let's Talk About Love. All in all you are just GREAT! Your music is hard to define but most of all it's GOOD and COUNTRY. We wish you good luck and success. Kindest regards, your faithful #1 fan and dedicated new friend in Poland. -- from Koko Preston of the Lincoln Street Center, Belfast, ME Not only are you outstanding musicians, there is a quality that you bring to your music that suggests substance behind it. Between your rhythm and words I hear a connection that speaks to others. And connection is what it is all about. I look forward to the next time. -- from Al Hawkes, legendary Maine entertainer Just got home and attempted to sort out telephone, email messages and the regular mail. I spotted your package with the nice card and your new CD [Dream Reel]. I dropped everything (including other CDs that were in the bunch of mail) and slipped it in my player with my pro monitor system to give it a critical listen. It's great! Super quality of talent, performance and sound quality. It's on repeat play - I think it's on it's third play. Whoever is doing your mixing & mastering is doing a good job. -- from Adam Samples, acoustic music aficionado This past Saturday morning I was driving and heard your song "River And The Rain" on the University of Kentucky's radio station and I was amazed! You guys are great songwriters and fantastic musicians. I just ordered your Dream Reel CD so I can hear that song again and share it with my girlfriend. I know she'll love the song too. I'm also looking forward to hearing the other tracks on the album as I'm sure they'll be great as well. If you guys ever play a show down here in Kentucky, email me because I'll be there! Keep up the good work, and get down here to Kentucky! (editor's note - credit where credit is due, Adam! John Daly of Salamander Crossing wrote "The River And The Rain." But Chris and Steve HAVE written some pretty good tunes, too!) -- from Zeke Buttons, DJ on WRFL, Lexington, KY I prefer "traditional" bluegrass & old-time mountain music, but I also like and play contemporary bluegrass (IIIrd Time Out, Blue Highway, etc) on my show. I also play what I call "Sophisticated Acoustic Roots Music." And since my daddy, bless his heart, played the harmonica, that is acceptable too if done tastefully. There are several cuts on your CD [Common Place] that fit the criteria, so I am pleased to add it to my list of "Sophisticated Acoustic Roots Music." And I might add that it's all good music... Good job, guys and gal! -- from Chris Teskey, DJ on WPKN I really like this album [Common Place]. A refreshing change from the sound-alike bluegrass bands. -- from Roger Ricker, friend and neighbor To each and every of your Evergreen troupe, Best wishes and congratulations to each in your group. We've attended performances many places you've been, And whenever possible we'll do so again. Since most spots performed at have been close to home bases, We've been really fortunate to see your bright smiling faces, We've patronized your profession purchasing cassettes and CDs, Allowing us to listen to recordings by each. Whether Steve, Chris, or Joe or your lady named Nell, We've been really happy with songs performed well. Keep up the great work and I'm sure before long, You'll be leaving for Nashville to present your great songs. (editor's note - We're all quite content here in central Maine, thank you, but we do appreciate your heartfelt words, Roger!) -- from Dale Preston, host of the BMAM midcoast jams Thank you for your wonderful performance! It felt good to see you all again, and to hear your music. You make it seem so effortless to create beautiful harmonies and instrumentals, along with a great visual show. Your dedicated preparation is greatly appreciated. -- from Mike Flynn, host of NPR's "Folk Sampler" Thanks for your music. Would love to know how to pronounce "Chiasson." (editor's note - it's pronounced CHAY-sen)