Reviews of Concerts:

   “Spook Handy in Concert”:

* "You made quite a lasting impression on the residents Kingsville. You pulled us all, both young and old, into your energetic performance that had everyone smiling and singing along. We can't wait for your next visit!”

                                - Mariana Branch - Director, Kingsville Public Library, Kingsville, Ohio - 2010

* “The audience was with you every step of the way, joining in with your interactive songs and listening most attentively to your musical selections. Everyone enjoyed both your original songs and the songs of Pete Seeger. You enthralled the audience with your exceptional musical talents and warm, charismatic personality.”

                                - Gwendolyn Jones – Garden State Storytellers’ League – Co-producer of “Tellebration.”

* “You sound terrific and your message is crystal clear!”

                                - Wendy Woods – Six Mile Run Coffeehouse – Franklin Park, NJ

* "Spook, we really were delighted about the response from the audience Saturday. They loved listening and singing with you. I was out on the front desk this morning and people coming in said how much they had enjoyed themselves Saturday."

                                - Elizabeth Perrin - Mountainside Public Library - 2010

* "Spook, you truly tell a inspirational story with each song. I hope we can convince you to return to Ashtabula, OH again.”

                                - Barb - Conneaut, Ohio - 2010

* “Our patrons haven't stopped talking about your performance at the Elberon Branch Library! We all enjoyed you, your stories & your wonderful music so much!”

                                - Linda Wurzel – Elberon Branch Library, Long Branch, NJ - 2009

   “Freedom Is Your Destiny” Concert:

* “Your program was very enjoyable. Your sound system was excellent, the songs were great, and I especially enjoyed your interaction with the audience.”

                                … Debra Rosenblatt, Wayne Public Library, NJ

* Read review from the Jefferson Township Public Library.

   Church Services:

Spook presents lay services for Unitarian Fellowships and provides music for services at Unitarian Fellowships and Religious Science Churches . He’d love to add Unity Churches and so many others to this list.

* "Spook's musical performance, personable style and thoughtful ideas were very well received by our congregation. His complementary focus on personal freedom and social responsibility was particularly well suited to our UU principles. He provided quite an uplifting and entertaining Sunday morning experience!"

                                … Ray Deeney, President, The Unitarian Society, East Brunswick, NJ

Reviews of CDs:

  Reviews of CD: “Whatcha Gonna Do?”:

* Spook, I love your CD!! I'm playing More w/ Les tonight! You have a lot of great tunes on your CD! The Santa tune is going to be played during the holidays!! You can listen in real time at www.913thesummit.com

                                Tom Ball – DJ “Just Plain Folk”, WAPS 91.3 FM, Akron, OH

* In Spook Handy's 2008 release, Whatcha Gonna Do?, he still shows his spiritual side but is focused more on issues of peace and justice. He covers some new ground not only in his lyrics but quite notably in the use of his voice. One of Spook's most interesting attributes is his ability to slip in musical references (as well as lyrical ones) that are almost subliminal. The acoustic guitar riff (on the title track) is wonderfully Beetlesque and while not obviously related to the lyrics, it gives the song a certain stature by allowing the listener to hook in right away.

                                … Rob Lincoln, House Concert Coordinator for Philadelphia Area Songwriters Alliance

                                * Read review by Rob Lincoln, House Concert Coordinator for Philadelphia Area Songwriters Alliance.  

* Spook, I'm glad you took your time and got it right. Solid songwriting, musicianship, arrangements and sonic treatments. I stand impressed! (I’m actually standing as I type.)

                                … Gregg Cagno , 2004 Kerrville Folk Festival - New Folk Finalist

* Spook - I can't get "Whatcha Gonna Do?" back from my teen age son. He sports a mohawk and normally won't listen to anything other than punk/metal. His review: "Nice chill music." Glad to see you doing what you love to do.

                                … Mark, a social conscious and spiritually aware father from Washington, DC

  Review of CD: “Breakfast at Bill’s”:

* Having had the privilege of booking many fine acts from the Philadelphia/South Jersey/Central Jersey region, I can substantiate that Spook Handy is one of the finest singer songwriters in these parts. While clearly a "folky," his music transcends the genre … most notably in the underlying philosophical themes he subtly introduces while telling the stories of real people … This guy is a subliminal songwriter, but you won't know it. All this is done through an outstanding sense of melody and … humor with some of the most memorable characters you'll ever hear portrayed in song.

                                … Rob Lincoln, House Concert Coordinator for Philadelphia Area Songwriters Alliance

                                * Read review by Rob Lincoln, House Concert Coordinator for Philadelphia Area Songwriters Alliance.  

Reviews of Workshops:

  Spook, your workshop was fantastic! - You are a wonderful teacher - you really know how to connect with people, meet them at their level and give them something they can use.

                                … Patty Reese , Education Coordinator, Songwriters Association of Washington

  Teens Only Workshops:

* Spook's workshop was a huge success. Everybody was enchanted by his music, critiques, honesty and friendly rapport with the young folks. I would highly recommend Spook for any group, event, or just for your own enjoyment – don’t miss the chance to enjoy his show!

                                … Fran Housten, Reference/Teen Librarian, Cranford Public Library

More reviews coming soon