Blue Harvest

Recently I spied Blue Harvest’s “MySpace” and laughed out loud when I saw the description listed for their music: “Sittin’ on a back porch, overlooking the hills on a warm, sunny day.” This can be considered true. Blue Harvest serves sunny music that stands on the crossroads of traditional Americana and Bluegrass, but the minute Clarence Ferrari (fiddle) starts to play, Blue Harvest can only then be likened to the dust bowl of Oklahoma. Not only does Ferrari play at tremendous speed on tunes like “Cripple Creek,” found on Blue Harvest’s latest release entitled Just Around The Bend, he gives ‘stroking the horsehair,’ a whole new meaning.

It may seem that Blue Harvest innocently kicks up the dust as a premier traditional Bluegrass band, but elements of Texas Swing and Cajun music ease into the fold as well. Despite that, this is incredibly toe-tapping music. Traditional songs, like “Hobo Song,” are not only heartfelt, they are heart dropping as well. Fred Skellenger plays some impressive mandolin, along with Rick Snell on guitar, and it’s performances like this that give these compositions a true, organic feel, like the day they were first written. No matter how many times you may listen to the songs found on “Just Around The Bend”, it’s pure perfection and magic.
Dig This Real Magazine - None

Exciting instrumentals and authentic vocals
Simon Jones, First Hearing, UK - None

Contradicting the going wisdom that Old-Time Bluegrass is one long, tacit rejection of all things urban, this New York outfit finds room in the Big Apple for a heap of fiddles. They don't stint on bowlegged twang either, giving an Appalachian spirit to swing.
Download.com - None

Call it Bluegrass, call it Old-Timey, call it Swing...whatever you call it, Blue Harvest will make your toes tap and your hips swing. This is real honest-to-goodness homespun music that everyone will enjoy.
Jeff Rusch - WNTI Radio Americana Music Director - None

Elgin Academy was very pleased to host the band, Blue Harvest. They entertained the entire student body, faculty, parents, and guests with a collection of Bluegrass, Country and Old Time music. Clarence Ferrari did a masterful job of describing the instruments and the different styles of music the band plays.

The members of the ensemble also conducted workshops for the students. We were especially pleased with their ability to relate to students of all ages and to make their artistry relevant to the particular music and fine arts topics that the students were studying.

Thank you Blue Harvest, for a marvelous day! We would recommend you to any school or other organization seeking to provide a top-quality program of music and cultural education.
John W. Cooper - Head of School, Elgin Academy - None

Blue Harvest was the hit of the (19th Annual Upper West Side Festival). We look forward to having you back next year!
Mort Berkowitz - Mort & Ray Productions - None

The style, musicianship, and energy displayed in Blue Harvest's live show is truly unique, and harks back to an era when musicians were also entertainers, with old-school bluegrass chops and a fresh, new approach.
Jennifer Davis - Assistant Manager/Booker, The Parkside Lounge - None