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What people are saying about the New CD: "Whatcha Gonna Do?"
“Death Came Anyway” is a Great song! Congrats! … Pete Seeger, July, 2007
“It’s Your War Now, Mrs. Bly” is a terrific song! Beautifully crafted and sung and thought provoking
… Mark Corso, “Home Made Music” – WRSU 88.7 FM, September 2007
What people are saying about other CDs and performances
Rob Lincoln - Philadelphia Songwriters Alliance:
Outstanding songwriter and performer with unforgettable songs ... May, 2006
*****
Fred Sebastian – Ethical Culture Society of Essex County – NJ
"Spook, your concert was so wonderful. Your words and songs resonated with truth, passion, and genuine talent. I'm confident your performance will linger with those who came. It was a great night! It was a real pleasure for me, to be a part. Keep writing those songs of love, hope, and humanity. Keep living by your heart, and spreading good words in song." ... Dec 14, 2005
*****
John Irving - Cafe Improv TV Show: "(Spook), you never fail to entertain our live TV audience with your polished professional and entirely enthralling act. Keynote of the evening. There's always a spot for you on our stage!" ...2006
Jim Beckerman of the Bergen Record - "a real troubador in the tradition of Pete Seeger and Phil Ochs."
"You've got a fierce but gentle spirit which is important for our world."
- John Dull of Dull Music Productions
"You did an amazinging job as MC Sunday (at the Forksville Folk Festival) - Andy and Denise
*****
What other musicians say:
"I very much admire the way you handle words so cleverly. With your self-assured playing and singing, you do embody the spirit of the folk singer...if Pete Seeger has seen you perform, he must feel very sure that his legacy is in good hands. It's a wonderful energy you put out from the stage and I'm glad I finally got to see you perform." ....Eric Erickson at the New Jersey Folk Festival, Apr 30, 2005
*****
From the New Jersey Folk Fesival:
"I've been an emcee at the New Jersey Folk Festival for more than a decade. About three weeks ago, I had the immense pleasure of seeing and hearing Spook Handy for the first time. He was simply terrific.He infuses his singing and story-telling with an energy that's infectious. After his session, I told him he was the best performer I had ever seen at the NJFF. I'll stand by that assessment.”Roger CohenProfessor EmeritusJournalism and Media StudiesRutgers, the State University of New Jersey
May, 2005
*****
Mary Malworth on Spook's Performances at 2000 Minute Vigil:
"Spook, As usual, you were a life-saver that weekend -- and great to listen to -- and fun to work with. It really helped make our weekend-long vigil something quite memorable".-- Mary
*****
Eric Maring on Spook's Elementary School presentation:
"Spook was amazing. He's got a true gift for working with kids. He taught them a ton of classic folk songs and got them all singing - they particularly liked "I've Been Working on the Railroad." Two weeks later when our school's music teacher taught them Oh Susanna. They were beside themselves with excitement telling me how they sang the song that Spook Handy had already taught them."
*****
From briz, songwriter/performer
"Spook is one of the few songwriters who's not afraid to take risks lyrically. Not all tunesmiths can meld social commentary with music that is exciting and bold. But Spook does it very well and that is why he has not only the broad based fan support but also much respect amongst his peers."
*****
What the Critics say:
"a master of wit within words… worth listening to again and again."
…Naomi de Bruyn, Rambles Magazine
read full review
"Breakfast at Bill's' combines solid songcraft with excellent production in a package sure to win many new fans"
.......Peter Spencer - Star Ledger
"Exceedingly pleasant and fun to hear
..... Grant Hogarth, KRCL, Salt Lake City
"Phenomenal! It will take many hours of listening to this CD to discover everything that hides in the subtle complexities of the instrumental backings and lyrics
….. Keith Metzger............Songwriter
"Spook Handy is a wonderfully inventive guitar picker, with a gentle and easy voice
…… Matt Smith... FolkWeb
* "Freedom Is Your Destiny” is one of the most listenable and imperative albums I’ve heard in a long time.
.... Robert Makin...East Coast Rocker* "Fresh and highly spirited”
....Stephanie Ledgin .....The Traditional MusicLine“Certainly positive,... decidedly straight-forward....(Spook) celebrates the power of love and freedom to create change.”
...Tammy Paolino, Hunterdon County Democrat* “Anyone who’s hungry for some soul-satisfying music should get a copy of this disc.”
....Lydia Carole DeFretos.... Aquarian WeeklyAccolades:
What the Critics have done:Best Folk Artist - Bob Makin - Upstage Magazine & Gannett New Jersey 2004
Falcon Ridge Folk Festival - Songwriters' Showcase Performer 2003
Honorable Mention: Hosting of the Bards Festival - for best Political Song 2003
Finalist: Susquehanna Music & Arts Festival Songwriting Contest 2003
Winner: Just Plain Folks Nomination for Best Traditional Folk Song 2002
"Friend's Choice Award" for Best Concert Performance at the Congregational Coffeehouse, Woodbridge NJ 2002
Finalist: Music to Life Contest - Kerrville Folk Festival, 2001
Feature performer and MC at New Jersey Folk Festival, 1998, 2001, 2004
Top Ten Folk Album, 1996, East Coast Rocker
Best Folk Artist, 1993, Aquarian Weekly
Other Press:
Hub City folkie Spook Handy knows something about the Raritan River.
by Chris Jordon, Home News Tribune, New Jersey. "Raritan River Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary"A Spooky October Night in New Brunswick
by David Gorsky - NJCoast News - November 2001 - Volume 2, Number 11