BLACKBIRDS: Press

“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.

Stunning..this is what songwriting is about..excellent production, also..thanks for writing this one..the world should hear it..

Review of High School Heroes by Blackbirds
Genre: Acoustic

love the guitar work
This is a great song. Very sincere sounding vocals. The bass is cool...it has a very-understated groove to it. The vocals are laid back cool and not forced. The lyrics are moving and entertaining. I like the harmonies as well. The percussion sounds tight. My favorite part is the guitar playing. I would have liked to hear some other element in the outro...just to come in and leave a stronger closing impression...


- laclaseobrera Respond to this reviewer
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada [flag]
June 27th, 2006

A great melodic song!!
The curve of the earth tells me this is a just a real nice pretty song to listen to. Lyrics like this make you cry and you don't know why. The music is perfect for the sentiment of the lyrics being delivered. BEAUTIFUL SONG!!

Review of "Edge of Town" Steve Earle-like lyrics
I love this vocalist. There is a quality to his voice that makes all the depressing lyrics authentic and convincing. I love the sentiment of the song, we need more songs that are lyrically like this. Very Steve Earle-like lyrics... the band is tight and effective... The arrangement is OK, the production is excellent... The true mark of an effective social commentary is to connect it to the personal realities of life and this band has done that.
Reviewed by: kuragxo from Winona, Minnesota [flag]