 Excerpts from Review in The Marshalltown Times Republican-Sunday, March 21, 1999, by Christopher Clair
"Those who enjoy folk music should appreciate the work of AMY & ADAMS. This is also true for fans of the blues. And rock n' roll. And just about any other form of music, as AMY & ADAMS draw their influences from many different artists. ''The Beatles are a big influence.'' Amy said. ''We love them. But we also like Nat 'King Cole, Frank Sinatra, John Denver''. The pairing of their influences along with their lyrical talents provide for a wonderful debut album, SAIL AWAY… The album runs along with driven acoustic music that provides the foundation for their lyrical work. The opening track, "SURRENDER" is captivating and really pulls you into the disc with good clean vocals. The songs can be serious ("OH AMY," "LET ME BE"), driving one to really focus on the emotion in the voices, then they can turn around and be rather playful, as Amy demonstrates on "TEDDY BEAR"- a song about how stuffed animals can be better than men. This was pre-Mark, of course as Amy pointed out. The Album took about eight months of hard work. It was well worth it." |
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Excerpts from article in The Marshalltown Times Republican-Thursday, March 16, 2000, by Rob Merritt
''For those who want specifics, the duo moves from folk tunes, to bluegrass to rock to ballads. About the only constant is their voices and their guitar playing, which makes for a varied listen…. For local music fans, it would seem that the AMY & ADAMS band are welcome back anytime.'' |
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Excerpts from an article in The Eastside Review St Paul Monday, June 25, 2001 by Scott Nichols
''When East Side husband-wife acoustic duo Amy and Mark each submitted separately written songs to the 2000 Minnesota Folk Festival's songwriters contest, they both ended up finalists... their performances have netted them local gigs at festivals all over the metro area this summer...and they share a fondness for performing cover tunes by the Gershwins, The Beatles, Fats Waller, John Denver, Joni Mitchell, and Cat Stevens...When they perform there should be a fair sampling of their of their original material and their favorite cove tunes.'' |
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'You guys really ROCK!'' from a student after a recent all school assembly. |
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 ''I liked Mark's melodic vocals the first time I heard Surrender and now I am glad I have a recording so I can listen to it any time I want. As much as I like ''Sail Away'' some of the songs just don't feel complete without the nifty eye movements Amy makes at live shows!'' |
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''It's always a pleasure to hear Mark and Amy live, but when that's not possible I pop the CD in and soar! Thanks for the hours of enjoyment.'' |
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''Thank you for sharing your talents of musical harmony with the universe! Great to know that there is more musical choice as a result of your efforts!!! Heres to saying yahoo!'' |
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''Great mix of tunes on this CD. Amy and Mark each has a distinctive style -- Amy's sweet vocals play foil to Mark's earthy tones. Together: Dynamite.'' |
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''I love the tune ''I'm Flying''. Definitely ''humable''. Looking forward to the next offering!'' |
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 ''Listening to your cd right now in Charleston WV and loving it--the teddy bear song is definitely a favorite with all my women friends--hope you guys find your way to West Virginia. I'd love to see a live performance.'' |
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''I attended the concert in Marshalltown Iowa and I want to tell you that the music was so pleasant. As performers Mark and Amy were fun. When Amy made the comment about Mark's manliest moments while Mark adjusted his mike, I laughed inside and out. And the musicians that joined Amy and Adams - AWESOME! Where did you find them? We want more in Marshalltown and are hoping that Amy and Adams will be heard at Live at Studio One on KUNI radio in the near future.'' |
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''From a college point of view, I admit that I become more and more picky about my music of choice... and Amy And Adams have not only made it into my music collection, but they've barely made it out of my CD player! And to Amy... AMEN sister, thanks for the Teddy Bears song! I look forward to seeing them in concert whenever possible!'' |
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''Having sung with Mark for many years and recently with Amy, I am excited to have had the chance to work with them on this CD. I hope you all enjoy the music as much as I have. Some of the songs get stuck in my head and are a pleasant reminder of the hard work Mark and Amy have put into this CD. They have gone for their dream, to record and share their music with the world.'' Mary, Mark's sister |
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''We got the CD as a gift and really enjoy it! Thanks!! '' |
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''When I find music that speaks to my heart I want to listen to it everywhere! So I have the CD for when I'm at home, and a tape for traveling. This music is worth traveling to hear. I look forward to hearing them live whenever I get a chance!'' |
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 ''I have been lucky to hear Amy and Adams in person. Hearing their music on my sound system is a real treat, because they have singable tunes, and a great set of musicians and voices to back them up. I have to close the door to my office while I sing harmony! Go hear these folks in concert~~you'll have a great time.'' Bob Sessions |
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''One of the best indie CDs I've ever heard--play it at parties, for stress relief, for meditation. Solid gold.'' |
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Here's a word from Freesia: (10 year old fan!)
I listen to your CD alot and I really like the songs! You have really good talent! And your voices are beautiful! Good Luck!!!!!!! Love, Freesia |
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Your music has been a gift to us, and listening to you keeps our family buoyant & centered. I have to confess that we keep moving it between the house & van because we want to hear it so often! All of your songs are fully engaging. A few ("Walking Alone in a Daydream," "I'm Flying") stir deep chords within me & bless my journey. "We'll Make It Through Somehow" has become our family anthem.... You offer something we haven't seen from other folk singers--rich talents between you that allow for a playful, yet insightful, collaboration. (Clearly orchestrated by our Creator!)
Kate |
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" I looooooooove the new CD, Must Be Dreamin'! Favorites are the overlay of rockabilly, Mark's voice, Amy and Mary duets, awesome songwriting, off the hook!" - Carol |
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"About three different times this morning I've heard your version of "Summertime" in my head...I'd love to have a recording of your rendition...one of the best I've ever heard." - Bill |
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"You can't help but like Amy and Adams. These two make you smile. Their music and interaction with the audience engage the listener effectively with warmth and sincerity. On their latest release, "Must Be Dreamin' " the songs run the gamut of the human experience...disappointment ("Rejected Again"), optimism ("There's A Road") and gentle humor ("Spider In My Guitar"). Amy and Adams are joined on this CD by Jim Finders (bass, vocals) and Mary Adams (vocals, harmonica). Nice harmonies and lovely acoustic work throughout." Wendy Vickers, "Wendy V's Local Blend" |
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"I did enjoy the cd."(MUST BE DREAMIN') "What I liked was that you suprised me with a variety. I was afraid of sameness when I heard the first song but you mixed it up. That kept it interesting. Very nice vocals." Jim Olson, James Olson Guitars
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The phones began ringing early today, then the calls trailed off. These things happen. But there was a lot of enthusiasm for the Amy & Adams folk-flavored version of the bigband standard "Sentimental Journey"
Tom Bingham, : "General Eclectic", WCVF-FM |
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I got one track on the air tonight. (Back Home Again)
I really like the CD -- it captures the spirit of the live performance including the fun the band was having with the music.
Amy's voice is easy to listen to, the harmonies are tight and the instruments supportive without overpowering the vocals. All the songs are familiar without being overdone.
All in all, this album is a pleasure to throw on the CD player at home or to sing along with in the car (it scares the dog if I sing at home).
Steve Clarke Acoustic Planet (Thursdays 8 to 10 pm) Erin Radio CHES 101.5 FM
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KASU did receive the CD, and it has been added to our music library for airplay. It’s a collection of fantastic songs, all done extremely well. Thanks for sending it!
Marty Scarbrough, KASU Program Director
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 "What a great CD(Must Be Dreamin'). We need more good “Folk” Music like yours. Thanks for being a part of NC Radio." Tom Averna, Manager NC Radio |
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“I listened to your CD – you gave me the one that’s recorded in the church in Bloomington.. Sounds great with the band – such sweet and tight harmonies too..very cool! A very classy style all the way around.”Lorraine Gervaiswww.lorrainegervais.com |
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Coming home tonight about 8PM, I had your new CD on in the car. I looked over at the golden color setting sun as it framed an airliner entering the traffic pattern into MSP. This beautiful scene was punctuated by your and Amy's version of Precious Lord! I made it through the song last night without a tear, but not tonight! By the way, your CD is WONDERFUL. Now I need to bring it in the house and play it on "your system"! I am sure it will be even better.
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