Jake Armerding

"His pastiche-like songs suggest meticulous craft, sometimes narrative, sometimes impressionistic, always engaging and clever … sharp, original, quietly intense, and rewarding for any who'll listen with both ears." - Chris Reitz

"Armerding's a master at bending boundaries ... his songs aren't exactly folk, but aren't bluegrass, either. Only rarely does he sing about rusty pick-up trucks or winding rural roads.

"But Armerding, who played to a packed house at the Paradise Lounge on Sunday night, has never claimed to be a traditionalist. His new CD is dizzying — it weaves together fiddle, mandolin, and guitar; stories about Rome and nostalgia; consonant ballads about a fleece jacket; and dissonant, off-kilter rags.

"Where does music like this come from? Partly from a will to break the conventions that define country music, and mostly from a sense that all good songs are, in essence, pastiche." - Matt Shaer

"Armerding's newest effort has a wider musical scope than the earlier releases, but his songwriting is even more focused, articulate, and poignant." - Steven Stone

"A timely set of new songs from a very gifted young composer … the listening public needs to embrace the well-written, thought-provoking pop music Jake Armerding is offering. I think we'd all be the better for it.” - Tom Druckenmiller

"Armerding straddles a curious fine line between 'new folk' singer/songwriter, contemporary bluegrass, and a 'swinging' country-pop style that appears wholly organic both in its approach and execution. That he occupies each with such self-assurance and ease is a testament to his originality as a songwriter and his skills as a fiddler, mandolin player, and guitarist ... if you're willing to back an emerging new talent, look no further than Jake Armerding." - Cleveland Country Magazine

"Jake sang songs about backpacking, a few love songs, a song about the devil, and a protest song about airport security. Can I get an amen?" - Jenni Simmons

"His instrumental fiddle skills are remarkable." - Washington Post

"Mr. Armerding arrived on the heels of his newly independent, post-Compass life, with the release of "Walking on the World." Made in five years and in various cities, the album's diversity -- presented in his live set -- made for a fuller picture of his distinctive stylistic blending. He has concocted an intriguing musical stew out of bluegrass, pop, folk and a swipe of blues, nicely blended in a personal and unpretentious way." - Joe Woodward

"His vicious fiddle playing has left a long trail of dropped jaws..."


- Country Standard Time

An engaging and very pleasing album of new love songs ... the quality of songwriting is high, and the fact that [Armerding] can pull off an entire recording of such a much-visited subject and not have it come off as trite is an accomplishment.
- WVIA-FM Virginia