Reviews

I am fortunate enough to have gotten a TON of reviews over the years.  Here are just a few:

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“The passion, purpose and spirit of American folk music are alive and well with Spook Handy and his Remembering Pete Seeger World Tour”

… Gary Wien – Editor in Chief, New Jersey Stage

FULL QUOTE: “The passion, purpose and spirit of American folk music are alive and well with Spook Handy and his Remembering Pete Seeger World Tour.  He may not believe the torch was passed on to him, but he was close enough to the legends for their fire to burn in his songs.  He is definitely keeping the flame alive.”

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Spook’s 5th CD: “Pete, Woody & Me, Volume I – Keep the Flame Alive”
No. 3 CD – June/July 2016
International Folk Radio Charts
no. 2 and no. 3 songs (“Vote” & “Banks of Marble”)

Spook’s 6th CD: “Songs of Pete, Woody & Me, Volume II – Dedicated to the Proposition”
No. 3 CD – May 2019

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“Spook LET’S HIS HAMMER RING LOUD AND TRUE on a genuinely important album released in a very propitious time.”

… Art Menius – First President of Folk Alliance International

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“Spook’s music certainly rests on the shoulders of the past but is unmistakably steeped in the present …The musical arrangements, … playing … (and) lyrics are rich and delightful.”

… John Weingart – “Music You Can’t Hear on the Radio” – WPRB, Princeton, NJ

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Other Reviews

“Spook REALLY KNOWS HOW TO WRITE A SONG THAT SAYS SOMETHING IMPORTANT.  “Vote” should be played by people all over the country whenever there’s an election.”

… Pete Seeger

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“Spook – You are doing a real service to the tradition. And I love your original compositions. They’re real fun to play along with.”

… David Amram

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“Grand Slam!! – Spook gave a mesmerizing concert – He was at once witty in dialogue, charming in his humble and humorous delivery, and incandescent in the way his music shines a beautiful light on the heart, mind, and soul of the human condition. Truly one of our best concerts to date”

… Internationally acclaimed author Lyndon Harris – Tigg’s Pond Concert Series, Zirconia, NC

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“Thank you for being one of the people who helped me to raise a socially conscious daughter, and for all the good work that you continue to do through your wonderful music.  Mariah told me that your vote song was her first intro to the importance of voting, back when she was just 9 years old!”

… Marianne Jackson – Aerie Coffeehouse, Eagles Mere, PA

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“Spook’s music touches the common chord of spirituality and humanity …. Everyone had a rollicking good time.”

… Reverend LL DuBreuil – Pastor, First Reformed Church, Woodbridge, NJ
Read letter from Reverend LL DeBreuil

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“Spook provides … music to give you hope, … presented honestly and openly and I truly believe that everyone walked away from that concert feeling like a better human being.”

… Dave Haggerty – Arts Council of Princeton
Read full Letter of Recommendation

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“[Spook’s] set was compelling and inspirational … and [he] encourages audience participation, just as Pete used to.”

… Joanne Corsano – Nice Pace.net – review of 2018 Singing Oak House Concerts ~ West Harwich, MA

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“When I watched your show, I cried through most of your performance, it resonated so strongly. Having the great fortune of growing up with songs of civil rights, freedom and peace, it felt like, well, like going home. Thank you.”

… Resa Mehren – From the TV show “Cafe Improv” – Princeton, NJ

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“”Spook, your concert last night was truly wonderful!!!!. Also, your tribute to Pete Seeger was right on!!! I look forward to another.”

… Martha Lieblich, Bayshore Center at Bivalve , North Jersey Liaison

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“a master of wit within words… worth listening to again and again.”

… Naomi de Bruyn, Rambles Magazine

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“Spook Handy is the genuine article – a true folk singer of talent, skill and grace and a joyful ambassador whose message rings clear!. …(He) had the audience singing and engaged.”

… Reggie Harris of Kim and Reggie Harris

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“Your words and songs resonated with truth, passion, and genuine talent. I’m confident your performance will linger with those who came for a long time.”

… Fred Sebastian – Ethical Culture Society

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“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.”
Read letter from Gwendolyn

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“Exceedingly pleasant and fun to hear…..”

… Grant Hogarth, KRCL, Salt Lake City

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

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

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“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

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“Spook Handy is a wonderfully inventive guitar picker, with a gentle and easy voice”

– Matt Smith… FolkWeb

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“Spook’s message brims with a practical optimism that is born of sanity, reflection and perspective. He is, in short, the troubador’s troubadour.”

… Steven Humphreys, Sunday Services Committee Chair, Morristown Unitarian Fellowship

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“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

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“Anyone who’s hungry for soul-satisfying music should get a copy.”

– Lydia Carole DeFretos, Aquarian Weekly

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“Thank you for making our anniversary party the greatest day of our lives! We and our friends of different economic, spiritual, ethnic, and sexual orientations came together to break the “bread” of distinctive cultures. Your songs inspired us to think creatively about working together to address our broken world. You assembled a perfect program and were the soul of the party. Friends spoke of it as truly “awesome.” Moreover, friends donated more than $4,000 in support of our mission.”

… A.J and R.J.

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“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

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“You made quite a lasting impression on the residents of 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

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“Such a packed house! And such a wonderful night of music. Your song/story about your itchy dog was perfect.”

… Lynn Sichel, Mountainside Public Library, NJ 2011

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“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

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“I thoroughly enjoyed your performance as did everyone else who talked to me about the evening. The way you prefaced the songs with vignettes made them all the more enjoyable.” Looking forward to your return!”

… Merlee Adkins, Aurora Public Library District, Aurora, Indiana

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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

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“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

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“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

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“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

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“You did exactly what a behinds the scenes type of guy does …hug and support your very nervous coordinator….”

… Jill Friedman – People’s Music Network Annual Concert Coordinator – Hartford, CT 2012.

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“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 913thesummit.com

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

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“I LOVE LOVE LOVE “Whatcha Gonna Do?” This recording will stay in my rotation for a long time – it will not gather dust for it speaks to age old issues that won’t be going away soon.”

… Mary Post – Host of “3 degrees or less” Newark, DE

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“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

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“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

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“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

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“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

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“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

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Email your review to spook-at-spookhandy-dot-com

“In each moment of human history, average and amazing people find a way to sing out that is some how nostalgic, optimistic, heart-breaking and empowering at the same time…(Spook’s) songs embody the same intellectual rattle and simple honesty that have characterized so much of (Pete) Seeger’s career.”
… Kim Ruehl – About.com – Kim named Spook “Best Folk Artist You’ve Never Heard Of.”