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Reviews of The Song Train
"A timeless collection of sounds and images, it's destined to become a classic in the folk
and acoustic music world. The level of creativity embodied within the book is simply astonishing. With its beautifully
recorded songs, historic photos, insightful essays, and cool guitar instruction, The Song Train offers
a deeply satisfying experience for the ears, eyes, and imagination. And, of course, the music on the four discs
is outstanding. Harvey and Joyce have a magic touch, a way of making both traditional and contemporary music come
alive.
While trends come and go, and hip new bands become yesterday's news, The Song Train will continue to
roll along..." ANDY
ELLIS (Guitar Player Magazine)
"...the classiest "how-to" guitar book we've seen, for beginners and players both." ELDERLY
INSTRUMENTS
"...the album is a sensory delight, both to read and to listen to... It is a beautifully packaged collection
of wonderful versions of wonderful songs that showcases the range of material and quality of musicianship that defines
the best of American folk music in this early part of the 21st century."
JOHN WEINGART WPRB Radio
"...beautifully conceived and produced" MIKE SEEGER
"...What a beautiful project... it's just stunning, classy, beautiful, monumental.
My hat is off for the achievement and the concept... it's
worthy of awards" DAN CRARY
"You guys really nailed it to the wall. It's absolutely incredible..." BRYAN
BOWERS
FROM A CUSTOMER--
"I have received your book and CD’s, and want to take a minute to thank
you for what you do.
As a young boy in Gainesville Fl, my neighbor tried to show me the E chord on an old steel string – it hurt
so bad I quit. But an interest in the instrument had begun. I played my Dad’s old trumpet through high school
and even enrolled in music school at FSU in Tallahassee - 1975.
They intimidated me so much with the academic approach to music that I instantly became discouraged and dropped out
after two semesters. I had bought a used Martin 00-16c in 1973 and kept it around – picking only by myself at
night before going to bed. Still feeling that whatever I tried probably was wrong, or “technically incorrect” – thanks
to the instructors at FSU, I didn’t want anyone to hear me. I never pick in front of other people.
I have worked back and forth across the north Gulf Coast – spending time on the oil rigs in LA and small towns
back and forth along I-10 between Texas and Pensacola, where I lived for a number of years. I have been back here in
SW Fl – between Naples and Miami, for 20 years. Still feeling that I most likely, am just not cut out to pick
the guitar.
I am semi-retired now and decided to give it a concerted effort again last summer, and bought the Taylor and a couple
of music books, yes, “for dummies” too!
Those books are back on the shelf where they belong and you book will never leave the table next to my guitar from
now on.
I can’t begin to tell you how much it has meant to me to read this book and begin to work through some of it.
It felt as if you were speaking directly to me, and addressing my frustrations with the instrument – there must
be thousands of others out there just like me.
You have concisely presented a synopsis of American folk music combined with a wonderful philosophy of guitar instruction
that can be adopted by anyone – despite their education or cultural background. I embraced it immediately. It
is as if a light has come on in a dark room after 30 years.
This friendly, and kind, body of work should be given to anyone beginning to learn the guitar. They can always go
learn classical or flamenco later on if they like! I wonder where I would be now if I had your book 25 years ago………..
at least now I am confident that some day soon, I will be able to sit down with some of the local bluegrass folk and
join in the picking!
I can’t repay what you have done for me – but if there is ever anything I can do for you or your family,
let me know. BOB F.
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