Bluegrass Unlimited [April 2005 Issue] Review of CD

THE NEW ENGLAND BLUEGRASS BAND -- THINGS IN LIFE
Rock Maple Records NEBGB77277.

"Although the New England Bluegrass Band is primarily a regional band, they play a style of bluegrass that is sure to attract more attention, as demonstrated throughout this latest recording project. Probably the band's most noted member is resonator guitarist Roger Williams, who has several previous recording projects to his credit. The 13 selections are an entertaining array of material, including "If You're Ever Gonna Love Me," "Brand New Heartache," "Wildwood Flower Blues," and the Keith Whitley country classic "I'm Over You." "Things In Life" is bluegrass at its best and is a significant milestone in the career of the New England Bluegrass Band."

Outstanding performance! The people really loved your show! (Over 1000 in attendance)

C. Gesteland
Boston First Night

Fantastic set! You guys sounded great and the folks loved you!

Stan Zdonick
Boston Bluegrass Union 

Thank you so much for helping make our July 4th American Celebration a fabulous success! The enthusiasm and energy you brought to the museum made all the difference. Thanks to your involvement An American Celebration was able to capture the spirit of our immigrant past while joyously celebrating our present and future. You guys are fantastic! We want you back!

K. Churchill, Special Events
Strawbery Banke Portsmouth, NH

Wow! You were incredible! Everyone Loved your music and asked to have you back!

Rob Duquette
Rivertree Center For the Arts
Kennebunkport, ME

Your band (is) among the most promising bluegrass and Americana bands."

Daave Summers
Doobie Shea Records, Inc
Boones Mill, VA

You guys were so hot! You sounded fantastic, the best around! Best singer in New England!

Scott Donnelly
Host of "The Pickin’ Parlor"
91.3 WUNH radio 

By far the best band here! Everyone loves you and looks forward to your performance each year!

Dave Emerson
NH Shaker Village Wood Days Coordinator 

You got one HOT band! The talent is amazing and of course you guys are all super. A full house tonight a NEW customers. Let’s get you booked again.

Tom Pirrozoli, Musician
Musical Host of Four Corners Grill
New London, NH 

We are STILL in awe of all of you - what incredible musicians you are - so spirited, sensitive, and all such masters of your instruments!! It's hard for me to express to you what a gift it was to have you at our wedding - words sound so mundane. As you know music is our livelihood and we are in contact with some of the best classical musicians around but few of them have the vitality and spirit that you all have - you reminded us of what music should be and CAN be. We are so rarely moved by any performers these days and sometimes I think there must be something wrong with me, but then I hear musicians like yourselves and I know I'm not crazy!!! I don't know how to thank you for your beautiful music - what luck and what a blessing to have found you!!! Thank you all again so much for your rare and beautiful talent!!

Haldan Martinson
Principle Second Violin
Boston Symphony

A super band! Way to go! I look forward to hearing you guys again! (Booked for 2004 Festival)

Patti Crooker
Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival, Maine

I first met Ron (Cody) when he was about 17, well scrubbed and earnest. He obviously was talented, and as the years went by, he developed into the fine, well-rounded banjoist he is today. Whether crossfired with drums, smoothly navigating his own creatively progressive compositions, or acoustically firing up a bluegrass standard with his own wide-ranging improvisational sorties, Ron can hit from all sides. Now put this guy out there and give him some room to run.

Tony Trischka, Banjo recording artist

Mr. and Mrs. Haldan Martinson
Boston, MA  

Dear Cecil,

First I want to apologize for taking SO long to respond to your lovely email and great picture! We have been very busy - first on our honeymoon (well not busy but cut off from the rest of the world) then we had to frantically move out of Haldan's old apartment before packing to come up to Tanglewood for the summer and now that we are here in the country email has not been very appealing to me!!

Anyways, ever since the wedding we think of all of you often and are STILL in awe of all of you - what incredible musicians you are - so spirited, sensitive, and all such masters of your instruments!! It's hard for me to express to you what a gift it was to have you at our wedding - words sound so mundane. As you know music is our livelihood and we are in contact with some of the best classical musicians around but few of them have the vitality and spirit that you all have - you reminded us of what music should be and CAN be. We are so rarely moved by any performers these days and sometimes I think there must be something wrong with me, but then I hear musicians like yourselves and I know I'm not crazy!!!

I don't know how to thank you for your beautiful music - what luck and what a blessing to have found you!!! We will definitely highly recommend you to anybody who is looking for a band, and if we ever hire a band again you can be sure it will be the New England Bluegrass Band!!! Thank you all again so much for your rare and beautiful talent!!

Best Wishes and Love from
Haldan and Christina

P.S. If you ever play in Boston PLEASE tell us!

P.P.S. Haldan's title is Principle Second Violin of the Boston Symphony.