BLACKBIRDS: Press

“Endlines and Punchrhymes” is the latest release by the talented, Modern Folk group Blackbirds. Right from the start this album will take you to a place where you can relax and enjoy the emotive lyrics and soft percussive beats. Lead vocals are rich and pure as you can hear on songs such as “This Street, That Man” and “Can’t Find My Way Home.” Heartfelt lyrics reflect memories of times past on the song “Hometown Heroes” while acoustic guitar gently swirls around this interesting melody. As an added bonus, check out the terrific remakes of “The Mighty Quinn” (original by Manfred Mann) and “Cinnamon Girl” (original by Neil Young) as these songs offer a great nostalgic throwback. Superb production as the instruments come across clean and crisp and never overpowers the laid-back vocals. If you’re a fan of Folk music, then take a ride and listen to the wonderful compilations of the terrific album, “Endlines and Punchrhymes.”
-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team

The intrumentation and tempo of the music on many of the tracks joined with the haunting vocals of Jasmine Quintana are
reminiscient of THE COWBOY JUNKIES.

I found Soldier especially well done, and made me think of something that might be performed by the JAYHAWKS.

I thoroughly enjoyed these six tracks, and I look forward to discovering more material by THE BLACKBIRDS.

Bill Pope
Rentals Manager
Paramount & Copley Theatres

I was pleased to receive an advance copy of the new Blackbirds' CD "Breaking and Entering". Mike Slajchert, who pretty much IS Blackbirds, has published two privately circulated CDs since I last reviewed his work, once more for the benefit of his favorite charitable organizations. His current work continues his stellar instrumental work (I guess it's easier to get your drummer or keyboardist to play what you want if you are the drummer or keyboardist yourself.) The record leads off with a great cover of Townes Van Zandt's "Flyin' Shoes", a perfect vehicle for Slajchert's world-weary vocals. The guitar work is tasty. "Life Goes On" is well worth the listen, if only for the slide guitar-harmonica solo. "While You Were Sleeping" would fit in nicely in an 80s or 90s pop collection; it's got great, jangly guitars, and a good vocal hook, and introduces the latest of his backing vocalists, who appear later to even more advantage on "We'll Get By." Sarah Boyle makes her Blackbirds debut on "One More Year", and it's a great listen. Her voice simply drips country sensibility, and the duet with Slajchert is a perfect fit for the lyrics about a couple living on the edge of a relationship, but ready to give it a last chance. "The White Ship" is one of those songs that would be right at home in the 60s, perhaps listened to best while under the influence of some mind-altering substance. Instead of the usual harmonies, this one works in 5ths, minor keys, and unexpected key changes. The guitar solo builds to an amazing conclusion, and the whole song captures a ghost-ship vibe in uncanny fashion. The album closes with an achingly-touching instrumental, with some amazing slide work.
Hopefully, Slajchert will decide to make this record more readily available to a wider audience; it deserves a listen.

"Stop-Time", the new release from Blackbirds (available only privately at this time) represents quite a departure from the previous efforts of the Chicago alt/country/folk group. In fact, it is entirely the solo work of Mike Slajchert, who branches out into some genre-stretching. The breadth of his instrumental range on this album is impressive, as he doesn't hesitate to experiment. The last three tracks, however, change the entire tone; they are all entirely solo acoustic, and seem to be one-take, no-overdub affairs. The ventures into electronica earlier on are all well done, and seem to attest to Mike's early days in rock. Altogether, a fine effort, and all profits go to benefit a school in the war zone in Uganda.

“Unlicensed” by the talented Blackbirds is a beautiful collection of modern-folk tracks! Don’t be deceived by this CD’s title – the Blackbirds are fully licensed in the field of creating folk songs that leave a lasting impression! The elegant vocals of both of Blackbirds’ singers mix to create stunning harmonies and duets, as demonstrated in “Loving Arms.” Inspiring lyrics of personal growth, strength, and love adds yet one more invaluable asset to this CD. What’s more, every track on this CD is graced with amazing instrumentation. Polished with careful production, this CD is the perfect creation for fans of Neil Young and Indigo Girls!
-Xavier P. and RadioIndy

Review of "Only Love Survives"
Truly acoustic, truly artistic, just plain fantastic!
If you are reading this, click the play button and follow along, it's going to be a good review.

By the end of this song you will have noticed that the build between the vocals, guitar and bass guitar is steady and well thought out. By the end of this song, you will also realize, that was perfect song writing.

I love intermediately- placed fills, whether the vocal fill or the guitar fill.

The snyth adds at about 3:00, and just a minor fill line, but an accent, a hint, repeats once.

The acoustic leads are clean, very Martinish. The back ground vocals are harmony, not just there, but really adding to the camber of the overall hook.

The vocals themselves fit acoustic sound, I really mean it. This singer was made for the acoustic genre, he is an acoustic instrument.

Outstanding words, harmonies, structure, mixing, the works.

Good tune, thanks for sharing your music with all of us.

- RJ Dennis, Marble Falls, Texas

The music has depth and reach. The female vocals are ethereal, and the male vocals are very earthy - Neil Young-ish, an interesting combination. Guitar work is particularly good, sometimes spectacular. The lyrics are surprising at times, very sincere and heartfelt.
(review of "Anatomy of Melancholy")

"Only Love Survives"
Good guitar playing and nicely recorded to capture the overtones and sound of fingers on strings. The singer is good, understated but with a lot of feeling that adds a poignant touch to the song he’s singing. The lyrics are outstanding, a collection of images that slowly build to make their point, creating a melancholy mood that intensifies the power of the hook “only love survives.” the song describes the cycle of life by moving from a young person’s room, to a soldier’s room, to the room of a married couple to a universal prayer for peace and harmony. The subliminal electric guitar and mandolin at the end of the song is a great touch.
Reviewed by: jpoet from San Francisco, California

Scharpf and Slajchert played together and also took their turns on stage alone, increasing the intimacy that was already evident in the venue. With his silver acoustic guitar aptly named "Peace Machine," Slajchert chose socially-geared songs that resonated with the night’s cause, such as Bruce Springsteen’s "Philadelphia," and proved his knowledge of an emotional economy in music.

Scharpf energetically put rhythmic voice to his acoustic guitar on some classic American songs, and he pleased the crowd with some of his most memorable tunes as well, such as Jamestown’s "Roanoke" and his pensive song, "Leaving the Country."
The highlight of the evening came near the end of the set list when Slajchert and Scharpf shared the stage together for a personal, acoustic rendition of Springsteen’s "Born in the USA." Though a majority of the crowd had not been born when the American hit dominated radio stations, the audience slowly and softly sang in unison during the chorus, which calls for political movement.

The benefit became an intimate evening within the inviting walls of Molly Malone’s, but its purpose was never silent or whispered; it was undeniably loud. And it was heard.

I'd Buy This Guy a Beer
There's a weathered, uneasy sound in this quavery vocal that I like. The singer takes a tenative stance, just like any well lived life should take.

The words are honest. Can't ask for more.

The harp is heartbreaking and delicate.

The production is muddy and the lead guitar sounds like it was recorded in another room. But I don't care. Cuz the song is real.

You could spend the money to record this in a proper studio and send it out to folk-based websites and stations and see if you get any action. In the meantime it's a proper testament to your life so far.

Well done.

There's a guy in Nashville named Tom Mitchell that this reminds me of. He's not famous. He works part time in a grocery store. But he's a good songwriter.
(review of "Back to Where I've never Been)



Vancouver, B.C., Canada

Very simple chord pattern disguises a deeply complex song. The pattern builds very subtly as the singer's story unfolds. The vocal is pristine, has a quality rarely seen. The guitar work is absolutely beautiful; the solo couldn't be more clean and tasty, with the double-stops ringing like a bell. Wonderful song.
Review of "Deficits of the Heart"

REVIEW OF "DEFICITS OF THE HEART"

Art at its best
production jumps at me right out of the gate hello you are singing a very well performed peice of art...so enduring you story in the lyrics... one does not Have to like this song one just does... the arrangement is so que... the players are together to complement this song you relay to this audience...beautifull job another keeper...the acoustic guitar very talented player with a good addition to round out the peice...radio wise it may be just a bit long...but what a good song that would be hard to trim anywhere of this peice...the lead guitar is pleasing not overpowering the other player but more like enhancing...the levels are que did not have to adjust anything on my player... very good job on a fresh new song that touches the heart and causes the mind to paint pics of what you are saying musicly...good song.

Review of Deficits of the Heart.. by Blackbirds


Listen......did an angel sing?
This track is so nice. Great balance of vocals; the guitars are meaty and appropriate. Sounds like you have learned that just enough is always an ample amount. I wish more musicians would realize this fact. I love the simplicity of the track. If the devil is in the details then beauty is in simplicity. Great Job.

.

- ChetFarr
Gainesville, Georgia
August 13th, 2006

REVIEW OF REQUIEM FOR A FRIEND
Oh boy....
I fell in love with this song the second that first minor note hit my ears. I'm not gonna say much, except you're probably the next Neil Young, and that's saying a lot. In fact, i'd really like a copy of your album if you have one available. wow... this is a beautiful song.

"Icarus" is almost the perfect song. Simple in structure, dense in meaning and emotion. The music reflects the lyrics perfectly - there is a feeling of flight here that carries you away.

I really love the guitar in this piece and the vocals have a raw quality that sets this apart from the rest. A beautifully written song very well performed. Welcome to SongRamp! ~ Dave Preston

lovely, lovely song. "i can see the curve of the earth" - now if that doesn't just pierce your heart, there's no hope for you. ppl, that was wonderfully touching. the instrumental solo was so sweet. notserp's right - it's the raw vocal set in the rich trappings that caused my tears.

What a deep heartfelt emotion here... makes me think over and again.. thanks for the good work here:)

Great lyrics - in the folk tradition of social commentary, but really fresh. Great variety in the music - pretty hard to classify as just one thing.

"Icarus" had me from the first 10 seconds
Reviewer: sarah
I've listened to the clips and will be buying the cd when I get home (don't tell anybody I'm at work!) "icarus" is simply fabulous - I can't wait to hear the whole song. The song "floats", sort of like the title character. Some surprises on the other tracks - nothing predictable here!

You've captured the serenity beautifully and Claire, you have the voice of an angel. I am spellbound.

Review of "Soldier"
Oh my. You've left me pretty well speechless here. You've done an amazing job with this one. The shame of it is that songs like this are needed.

Review of "Good Friday"
Great song! love the rich tones and the awesome truths within. thank you so much for letting me hear this!

Excellent write/tribute - the female voice singing the high octave sounds great. Great performance. I can hear Neil Young trying this one for size.

Outstanding lyrics hitting close to home. My brother is 44 years old, and officer and pilot in the Navy with over 25 years active duty and they just sent him to Iraq for 1 year ground duty.