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Articles and Reviews
A rich sound with Seznec pulling vintage, deeply characterful tones from guitar and a fretless-sounding gourd-banjo, and Ward-Bergeman adding longing counterpoint as Clifford applies a hammer to a yew log or plays with brushes ( as in paint, rather than the standard drummer's issue)...An arresting blend of sophistication, foot-stompin' bonhomie and furious harmonica storms... -Rob Adams, The Herald. Read the entire review from the May 27, 2008 edition.
There are acoustic-guitar- picking folk groups, there are accordion-pounding Gypsy troupes, there are harmonica-blowing blues combos and gourd-banjo-frailing world-music troubadours; there are even, probably, musicians who carry six-foot-high percussion sticks around with them. But -there is surely no musical partnership that brings all of the above together as bracingly as the Groanbox Boys. -Ben Chu, The Independent. Read the rest of the tour preview from the April 30, 2008 edition.
Fences Come Down features the surprisingly successful combination of gourd banjo and accordion as main accompaniment to rootsy and totally unpredictable original songs. Add some guitar, harmonica and percussion (notably from the intriguingly named freedom boot) and you have a unique musical mix from a very impressive multi-instrumentalist vocal duo. Bruce Cameron, 'Come All Ye', 2MCE-FM, Bathurst Australia.
Multi-cultural eclecticism, dynamic performances and a joyous, foot-tapping folk heart... Rich but relaxed, vibrant but subtle, Fences Come Down is highly recommended to those who love colourful and characterful roots music. -HC, Maverick Magazine, May 2008. Click here to read the four star review.
On Fences Come Down:
The music takes us back to old time, folk, blues, ragtime and other styles
of American music but this time the work is more detailed, stylized, focused
and the result is captivating... All the tracks have a certain freshness
about them. The range of the duo is impressive... Their music can be light
yet deep, entertaining and introspective and they give their music a certain
warmth and color. -Renato Belardinelli, accordions.com March
2008.
The music is absolutely enthralling and goes deep into the roots of popular music... -The Archer, East Finchley, London, December 2007, no. 171.
Original and exuberant. American roots music by a couple of talented American guys... -fRoots magazine, October 2007 no. 292.
What makes the Groanbox Boys unique and might explain their success is their distinct instrumentation... -Amandine Surier, Martha's Vineyard Times, July 12, 2007. Read the article.
What a revelation The Groanbox Boys proved to be last Tuesday! In my humble opinion they were one of the best acts we've had at the club in a long time.....and boy that's saying something. Several people turned their noses up when I said this was an accordion led duo.....but it simply worked.....wonderful vocal harmonies, unusual arrangements but beautifully played and a real old mix of stuff.....from almost Parisian Jazz to deep Mississippi Blues detouring to The Appalachians on the way. -John Adams, The Bottleneck Blues Club.
Dig underneath the fingernail of modern popular music and you get to the quick. There - in the raw, living, tissue - is where you'll find the Groanbox Boys. It's not a show. It's life. - Ben Chu, The Independent, April 26, 2007. Download a PDF version here or read it online here.
An excellent release that brings us the world of the train, the hobo and the American past. This is old time foot stomping American blues played on accordion, acoustic guitar, banjo, piano and harmonica. My pick is "Hobo Heaven" a track full of feeling. Very good. -Graham Radley, Basic Soul and World Unlimited
The Groanbox Boys' recent release, Smokestack Trilogy, is a wonderful trip through American music, taking music from sixty and seventy years ago and putting a modern sheen to it. Throughout, the interplay between Ward-Bergman's accordion and Seznec's banjo is simply superb. Smokestack Trilogy has something special to offer fans of American Roots music. The Groanbox Boys touch on a variety of styles with this release and the results are outstanding. -Graham Clarke, Blues Bytes Magazine
If somebody would have told me that I'd be having a ball listening to an accordion-banjo duo I wouldn't have believed it! You guys are fabulous, creating a totally new and fresh sound. Interesting lyrics and strong vocals are also your advantages. "Smokestack Trilogy" is one hell of a roots music disc! It will be my pleasure to feature your music in my shows. I'm sure my listeners will enjoy it as much as I do! -Przemek Draheim, Radio Sfera, blues.pl/draheim
Smokestack Trilogy is a fine musical journey! My wife and I were putting up a Christmas tree when I slipped it into the player. For the first couple of cuts we kept working away, exchanging glances every few seconds and then stopped working, sat down and just listened as hard as we could. My wife wants me to tell you that she was enthralled with your music. I think that pretty well sums up my first impression too. The way you guys put the arrangements together and the unusual mix of tonalities was so original and fresh. I kept saying to myself as I listened, "where in the world is this going? it's not going to work". But it always did work. The surprises just kept coming. I can tell you for sure that the CD will get a lot of play around here. I've got a collection of six or seven albums with guys playing banjos I've made. Yours means the most to me as it demonstrates how new energy and creativity can always be added to the mix of traditionally based music. Congratulations! -Bob Thornburg, renowned banjo maker, gourdbanjo.com
Technically gifted players and masters of their material, the Groanbox Boys sing and play with an enviable spirit and a love of their traditions whether in folk songs, mountain songs, blues or rags. -Renato Belardinelli, accordions.com. Read the full review of Smokestack Trilogy on accordions.com
Pure entertainment...One could close one's eyes and be in the Mississippi Delta on an old fashioned paddle steamer...the Freedom Boot is an amazing piece of percussion...The tracks are well ordered, fluctuating between slow and melodic and fiery and furiously fast...They are crazy guys and this comes across on the CD. It is produced so well it almost seems as if they are in the room with you. -Helen Jones, from a 10 out of 10 review of Smokestack Trilogy that appeared in Blues in Britain
A Few More Quotes:
This music is totally original but with deep blues, old timey and ragtime roots. Who would have thought of putting accordion with gourd banjo? These guys make it sound natural. Their gritty songs and singing are the most exciting thing I've heard since Buena Vista. -Simon Prager, musician
They have that indefinable quality that makes a good wine great and the skill that distinguishes a creative chef from the good cook. They engage their audience with effortless charm, attracting the listener like a bee to nectar. The Groanbox Boys have talent in spades plus that magical sprinkle of stardust. -Ann Rosenberg, Brooks Blues Bar
Incredible musicianship! An enthusiastic expedition into the recesses of American roots music with a respectful yet thoroughly modern twist. These guys are good! -Neil Harpe, musician/artist/guitarcheologist, Stella Guitars
The Groanbox Boys do blues with a feel that seems to bring the sun out from behind the clouds. - Steve Morrison, blues musician
