Reviews of Brand New Old Time Music

  "With echoes as old as the Carter Family and as fresh as any of the new traditional country, "Brand New Old Time Music" is exactly what its title implies, and it is a pure joy.

  The album's 12 songs... are intelligent, witty and touching, and need no more instrumental embellishment than simple, lovely acoustic settings.

  Grey's voice has a bluesy edge somewhat reminiscent of Maria Muldaur, with a gentle, angelic quality that harkens to early Dolly Parton. She also keeps some pretty hip company...

  Wynonna Judd sings harmony with Grey on two songs, and Ranger Doug of Riders in the Sky joins her on another. John Hartford lends his distinctive banjo to the effort, and multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire Albert Lee plays mandolin and guitar. All turn in fine performances , and their names surely strengthen her resume, but Grey's talent stands squarely on it's own." - Gordon Ely - Richmond Times-Dispatch

  "While most of the women doing commercial country music seem to be trying to decide whether to go for the skimpy T-shirt look or the big-hair style, Grey is simply turning out lovingly crafted, sweet and soulful country music while playing dulcimer...'Brand New Old Time Music' shows the respect Grey has in Nashville. She is joined by John Hartford, Wynonna, Ranger Doug and the estimable Albert Lee. Further proof that people and media outlets rejecting independent efforts out-of-hand are goofy.

  Grey's voice sounds like a cross between a country diva and an early-blues chanteuse. The songs...are apt, intelligent and demand repeated listening...If you're at all interested in old-time country and blues, you'll be doing yourself a disservice if you miss Grey..."
Jim Beal, Jr. - Express-News, San Antonio

  "...the sweet sounds of old time country singing and the relaxed good times of upbeat ragtime and blues...Grey's voice is supple and sincere, tracing the lines of contemporary lyrics and song settings reminiscent of country singing of the 1920's." - Paige Ross - Corpus Christi Caller-Times

"...This honey -voiced songwriter traverses styles, from bluesy country to olde time, as if she were doing scales on a piano. Her love songs...harken back to a less complicated time when monogamy was the vogue, as it ironically is now. Grey is not the only one who has come full circle." - Ellen Krout-Hasegawa - L.A. Weekly

Reviews of Grandpa's Advice

  "Grandpa's Advice is Adie Grey's follow-up to her well-received debut, Brand New Old Time Music and continues her exploration of folk, country, blues and bluegrass styles. With contributions by famed Cajun accordion player, Jo-El Sonnier, guitarist Albert Lee and John Hartford on the banjo, you know it's an acoustic music lover's dream.

  Most of the thirteen songs Grey wrote with her musical collaborator, guitarist and hubby, Dave MacKenzie. Wit and wisdom flow throughout the bulk of this album like milk and honey. On the title track we're cautioned of the hazards of highway travel and the fact that every one else on the road is "half-asleep or stoned". "Far Away Beyond These Mountains" sounds like it could've taken from the Carter Family songbook. "Now That He's Not In Love" features David Schnaufer on the dulcimer. With it's surprising chord progressions and haunting melody, it's a wonderful departure form the more traditional musical settings on the album. Kudos to songwriters MacKenzie and J. Berrafato.

  Adie Grey combines wit, wisdom, and wonder without ever stooping to clichés or mawkishness. Grandpa's Advice could serve as a text book to a lot of country wannabes." - Performing Songwriter

  "Adie's voice at times reminds one of Alison Krause, but stronger. In fact, I love her voice, the songwriting on this disc, and for that matter, the backing music and production. Really, an extra wonderful set of down home music." - Blue Suede News

  "...a good example of how it's done. Grey's songs are on the sweet/friendly side, riding the line between folk and country. Grandpa's Advice is highly recommended for that Saturday afternoon back-porch chill session." - Music Row

  "Brand new old time music is how Adie Grey explains her style, and it's a description that works. She has the knack for writing contemporary songs that sound as though they are country/folk standards. She's an intelligent, literate songwriter who, though their styles differ, reminds me somewhat of Matraca Berg - and, like Berg, Grey isn't afraid to let her sense of humor show occasionally , as in the title song.

  Grey has been singing and performing in public since she was quite young (she comes from family of songwriters), and that maturity and experience is evident in her presentation. She has a voice that falls somewhere between Dolly Parton and Pam Tillis in character. Her instrument is the dulcimer, and she's recruited Grammy award winning dulcimer player David Schnaufer as a guest, along with guitarist Albert Lee, vocalist Kathy Chiavola, and a number of other talented folks, including co-producer David MacKenzie.

  Grey has put together a lively, entertaining album full of songs that should appeal to folk, country and singer/songwriter fans alike" - Dirty Linen

  "Adie Grey writes and sings with a deliciously old-timey flavor. Plenty of bubbling production from a roux of good musicians keeps this recording tasty from beginning to end. Those musicians include John Hartford on banjo, and Will Smith on autoharp.

  I like Grey's unusual voice, which you won't mistake for the common crop of songbirds. She puts the song across with surety and charm. This recording will leave you musically satisfied...and just plain feeling good." - Sing Out