Recent Reviews
Oct 14th, 2006 - SONGWRITING AWARD
Congrats to AMG bass player Bill Honker for another songwriting award. Bill's song "Above the Waterline", which he wrote about Hurricane Katrina floodwaters in Louisiana, won first place in the Americana/Folk/Bluegrass category of the Dallas Songwriters Association 2006 Song Contest. Bill's songs "Home Again" (which is on the current AMG CD) and "This Old Town is a Mining Town" (which the band is considering for inclusion on the upcoming CD) received the same honor in 1999 and 2004, respectively.
Feb 24th, 2005 - Bluegrass Now Comments
"Banjo legend Alan Munde has a new group and from the sound of his playing he couldn't be happier...a group of veteran pickers poised to make a mark in today's youthful bluegrass market." Bluegrass Now magazine, March 2005
Feb 12th, 2005 - CD Review
"It's a recording full of beauty, energy, and the highest music
Jan 13th, 2005 - DJ Feedback from Overseas
Many thanks for your material and very fine CD. All the songs are 100% right for my "Bluegrass around the world" radio show. Audience response is great, special for "My Kentucky dream", "Darcy farrow" and "It's never too late". But I'm spinnin' also all the other greats. Pete Lenloy, Radio Carinzia, Vienna, Austria.
Dec 7th, 2004 - Feedback from Minnesota!
"It's an all time winner. Should win a grammy sole based on "My Kentucky Dream". If Phil isn't named the designated voice for Charlie Waller, there isn't one to be found anywhere." Marv Menzel, Homestead Pickin' Parlor,Richfield, MN
Nov 1st, 2004 - Bluegrass Now Comments
Alan Munde Gazette's self-titled, debut release contains fresh and exciting presentations of a wide range of bluegrass material featuring songs by Bob Dylan, "Blind Lemon" Jefferson, Carter Stanley, and Dolly Parton. There are also original compositions by band members Alan Munde and Bill Honker. Bluegrass fans will groove on "This Morning at Nine," "Alberta Bound," "Daybreak in Dixie," "Darcy Farrow," and the gospel favorite, "Softly and Tenderly." Bluegrass Now Magazine, November 2004
Sep 6th, 2004 - DJ Feedback from Pennsylvania
I found the release to be highly entertaining, with several cuts being my favorites: This Morning At Nine, Darcy Farrow, Softly & Tenderly; Never Ending Song of Love. Norris Long, Allegheny Mountain Radio, WVMR-AM; WVLS-FM; WCHG-FM Dunmore, WV; Monterey, VA; Hot Springs, Vaianship. This is fine music that deserves to be heard. Highly recommended." William Drake, Bluegrass Reflections
Aug 31st, 2004 - DJ Remarks from Arizona:
I just wanted to write and tell you how much I enjoyed your new release as the Alan Munde Gazette. I was pleasantly surprised at the nice mix of music that never drifted outside the circle of great acoustic performances. I was especially pleased to hear "Deep Elum Blues." You may have just recorded the best version of this classic that I've ever heard. "Alberta Bound" was another nice surprise. I've actually never heard the song sung by anyone other than Gordon Lightfoot and George Hamilton, IV. It was nice to hear your upbeat approach to a great song. "Misty Morning Amble" is a delight to listen to over and over again. And "Darcy Farrow" is always welcome in my home and on my program. There's not a mis-step on the entire project. Thanks for the great work. We'll be playing from this a lot on Classicheartland.com. - Marvin O'Dell - Classicheartland.com - Goodyear, AZ
Aug 18th, 2004 - What DJs are saying about the new CD:
"Flawless pickin', strong tunes, and fine pacing and production add up to a package I'll be happy to spin often on KUTs Folkways." - David Obermann, KUT Radio, Austin, TX
Aug 18th, 2004 - Feedback from another DJ:
Many thanks for sending us a copy of the new Alan Munde Gazette project. I like the new name (it's the only name that would really do) and I really like the new project-full of some neat tunes, cool arrangements and, of course, some of the tastiest banjo picking in the known acoustic universe. I especially enjoyed "Deep Ellum Blues" (your breaks on that one are just mouth-wateringly fine), "Alberta Bound" (Gordon Lightfoot's only real bluegrass tune, which no one has ever thought to cover), "Darcy Farrow," "It's Never Too Late" and "Don't Think Twice." I'll be doing my best to promote the heck out of it here in Nashville and in our other syndicated (public radio) locations. Thanks again for the sublime music! Dave Higgs Bluegrass Breakdown Nashville Public Radio
Aug 15th, 2004 - From a review of the new CD:
"...this initial CD by the Alan Munde Gazette brings a refreshing twist to the sometimes cookie-cutter bluegrass being produced today. It has an interesting regionalism in the voices and a laid back attitude in the execution. It�s a strong first effort by a new group." - Fireball Mail, the newsletter of the Southern Wisconsin Bluegrass Music Association
