-T. Lavitz (Dixie Dregs, Solo Artist)
"I'm impressed! Good songs & writing, excellent production & attention to the integrity of the instruments. Bravo!"
-David Ragsdale (Kansas, Solo Artist)
"Candlewyck
is awesome. They have a magical blend of virtuosity, heart and fun that's bound
to make you feel good."
-Michael Manring (Montreux, Solo
Artist)
"Candlewyck
has a new quality of musicianship, tone, taste, drive & togetherness, these
guys have it all! Their aural canvas is painted with bluegrass, newgrass,
country and jazz demonstrating the great versatility of this band. I won't
review each cut for you but I will suggest you don't put this CD back in the
rack or on the table. See and hear for yourself the energy of this young band.
Give them a listen and you will become their latest fan just as I have."
-Steve Kaufman (3 Time
National Flatpicking Champion, Solo Artist)
"There is some really great music on this CD. I haven't heard a sound this fresh and uplifting in a very long time. And you can quote me on that."
"I thought
the playing was superb and the compositions, vocals, production and group
sound were very together. I think this group will be a success!"
-Mark Egan (Pat Metheny Band, Solo
Artist)
"Excellent material , immaculately crafted, and impeccably performed; music to lift up your heart."
-Bill Bruford (Yes, Solo Artist)
"Candlewyck is a very tight and energetic new band".
-John Reischman (Tony Rice Unit, Solo Artist)
"This is fine music which to my ear breaks new ground and immeasurably enriches the genre. Chris and Ty have written some magnificent new tunes and hard-driving instrumentals and have gathered some of the best in the business to help give them the flavor and majesty they deserve."
-Dave Higgs (WPLN-FM, Nashville, TN)
"I'm adding
"Firemen" for heavy rotation on my weekly bluegrass show. It sounds
great on the radio and I know my listeners will love it. I sure do!"
-Wayne Rice (KSON, San
Diego, CA)
"Chris and Ty have done what so many musicians want to do in life, put out
a CD that will blow you away regardless of how many times you spin it. This is
one of the most complete releases' ever."
-Scott W. Ramsey (EnterActive
Weekly)
"Candlewyck's
latest album is full of hot licks and great writing that will make bluegrass
fans sit up and pay attention. I believe Candlewyck will make some non bluegrass
fans
into converts."
-Porkchop (WRIX, Greenville, SC)
"Not just the
same ole bluegrass. A whole new stimulating sound of originals for all
acoustic music lovers and more, from Ty Bennett and Chris Emerson. With
many guest stars the size of Haley's Comet."
-Big Al (Big Al
Bluegrass Show, Lexington, NE)
"Picks up where New Grass Revival left off and presents a genre busting, rock-and-roll energy that might appeal to fans of, say, Nickel Creek."
"Man, what a roller-coaster ride of an album! Vocal numbers in the Newgrass vein, tasty instrumentals alternately bluegrass, folk, rock and jazz flavored, even a bona-fide bluegrass gospel number."
"WOW IT'S HOT !! And what a line-up of guests."
-Jerry Tiemann (KAFM, Grand Junction, CO)
"This album proves that pushing the barriers can produce good music - no boundaries bluegrass."
-B Hough (Northern California Bluegrass Society)
"Every song is thrilling; the players are all specialists. There's an underlying sense of sophistication to the music, but it springs forth organically. This bluegrass album could easily succeed in bridging a gap."
"One of the freshest bluegrass records I've heard in the past year and I'm pleased that other folks obviously agree."
-Dave Glasser (Airshow Mastering)
"People will be talking about this 'who's who in bluegrass' for a long time to come!"
-Wayne Benson (IIIrd Tyme Out, John Cowan Band)
"The Candlewyck album combines contemporary bluegrass styles with pop and jazz influences that show the rounded musical background of its creators."
-Stacia Proefrock (All Music Guide)
"Chris
and Ty are are pioneers -- explorers tapping creative energies and youthful
exuberance. They're obviously respectful of the bluegrass tradition, but their
music pushes the envelope into Newgrass and Americana territory. Candlewyck
creates a boiling cauldron of fresh sounds with elements of rock, jazz, folk,
country and classical music. Their destination is a shining light on the
horizon. They are promising new talents that we'll be hearing more about."
-Joe Ross (NWBluegrass)
"Refreshing is the best way to describe this project. Creative Arrangements and the different configurations of musicians help make it something totally new."
-Clay Jones (Lou Reid & Carolina, Mountain Heart)
"A good
example of what is possible on the cutting edge of bluegrass. The singing,
playing and production are all first-rate. Keep your eyes on Candlewyck."
-Dirty Linen Magazine
"Awesome...phenomenal
vocals, harmony and breathtaking instrumental accompaniment...this group has it
down to a science, producing an album that is pure Americana."
-Heather Grothaus (Northern Kentucky
Zine)
"This is a well-produced and performed CD featuring all new music by Chris Emerson and Ty Bennett."
-Nicky
Rossiter (Rambles Magazine)
"The organic dynamics between guitarist Ty Bennett and mandolin guru Chris Emerson are easily apparent. An impressive beginning for an impressive duo."
-Jason
MacNeil (All Music Guide)
"The playing throughout is crisp, clear and hard to classify. Emerson and Bennett are obviously capable musicians who can cover a lot of stylistic ground without spreading themselves too thin...shows a measure of good taste uncommon among many of today's acoustic hotshots."
"The brainstorm of two fine musicians, this album features all original songs and music, several of them clearly progressive with drums, steel guitar, piano, strings and even a saxophone-- a nice change of pace if you’re willing to give it a try."
-Bonnie Groth (Arizona Bluegrass and Old Time Musician's Association)
"The self-titled CD 'Candlewyck' is a 12 song barnburner that tackles everything...but it's clear that this duo is most comfortable picking and slashing their way through the albums exhilarating instrumentals."
-South Charlotte Weekly Magazine
"There's a lot to be said for this debut recording--all of it good. Chris and Ty have gathered a large number of friends, some whose names aficianados will surely recognize, to produce a CD guaranteed to set your foot tapping and yours ears ringing with some great, original bluegrass music.Don't just take my word for it, the song, "Firemen", in its release as a single was awarded best song in the IMA's Country/Bluegrass category. Judges for the 2002 Independent Music Awards included Ricky Skaggs, Jim Lauderdale, Arturo Sandoval, Tom Waits, and others. Not bad"