Hullabaloo

The Hullabaloo Band (Steve Denyes and Brendan Kremer) packs bales of fun in these twelve fresh upbeat farm-themed songs. Blending country music with rock, folk, bluegrass and blues seems almost effortless to the multi-talented foot stomping, chest pounding, cajon tapping, banjo-strumming duo. They put their own imprint on well-placed (and played) covers including, “Erie Canal,” “Buffalo Gals,” and “Mama Don't Allow.” The tongue twisting “Mama Llama” (with a nod to Cass Elliot), “Diamonds and Dogs,” and the reggae tinged “Too Much Mango” are among the witty originals. - Parents' Choice Foundation

"Described as, "Farm-fresh, organic, free-range kid folk," Hullabaloo wraps up fun, catchy country and folk rock for kids with the perfect balance of silliness and fun with solid songwriting and quality music. It can be difficult to find music for kids and families that is light, fun and catchy while also being encouraging, educational and intelligent at the same time. But "Sing Along With Sam" accomplishes this with flying colors and then some, keeping interest from start to finish. Any fan of Dan Zanes should make note of this award-bound album." - CDBaby

This third offering from Hullabaloo is a catchy, country/folk-rock musical journey that presents some silly songs, some serious songs and some songs that are just plain fun. On Hey, Everybody! the band plays mostly original tunes along with some age-old favorites. Hullabaloo adds their twist to classics like the story of Old King Cole, and they do a great job of making “Waltzing Matilda” their own. There’s even a song about what kids hear when grown-ups are talking about boring topics—aptly titled “Blah, Blah, Blah.” And make sure to check out the track about a pirate named Polite Pete. Hey, Everybody! leans toward a country sound, but Hullabaloo does a good job of blending in other styles as well. - Chatanooga Parent

"'Blah, Blah, Blah,' so completely nails the experience of being a kid and not caring about what the adults are rambling on about that the adults are likely to have flashbacks and possibly feel a little guilty. - Zooglobble

This San Diego duo performs what they call "organic, free range kid-folk." If you like your granola rolled up in a big ball o' laughs and rhythm, this one is for you. Like their last album ("Sing Along with Sam"), "Hey, Everybody!" is amusing but a little more complex as well, with the addition of more guest musicians introducing more depth. While there's nothing earth-shatteringly new or radical here, Hullabaloo has goofy and sometimes sweet lyrics, with performances and production that give you that chill like you're in the room with some very skilled musicians. It's not flashy, but it manages to be compelling and foot-stomping at the same time. - Bill Childs

"Here is a great alternative to typical syrupy kids' music: The CD is called Hullabaloo: Sing Along With Sam, and it's fun fresh, and full of real music. Local San Diego Area musicians Steve Denyes and Brendan Kremer are talented artists who write their own songs and perform time-honored childhood favorites. The result is a CD that includes rock, folk, blues, funk as well as an educational message or two. My personal toe-tapping favorites are Mama Llama, Too Much Mango, Buffalo Gals and Mama Don't Allow." - San Diego Family Magazine

Hullabloo isn't country music. At least, not entirely. It's a little bit country, and, yes, a little bit rock and roll. It's also a little bit folk and a little bit blues. It's just the right balance of all these things to appeal to my penchant for natural, acoustic folk-rock. This quite possibly dates back to the many hours I spent at a certain bar while in college listening to a male duo singing covers of Simon and Garfunkel, James Taylor, and Cat Stevens.

Hullabaloo's blend of country, rock, folk, and blues creates a distinct, unified sound that carries through this entire album. Unlike some kids' artists, who try to demonstrate five or ten different styles or genres on one album (here's our "country" song, and now here's our "hard rock" number - something few artists can really do well), Hullabaloo has a consistent style. Their sound is polished but natural, which is perfect for fun family music like this. Their song-writing has a relaxed humor and lots of unique kid-appropriate themes. - The Lovely Mrs. Davis Tells You What to Think

8 out of 10. If Johnny Cash had downed a case of Red Bull, then gone out to perform for an arena full of kids, it might have sounded like this. - Cookie Magazine

Hullabaloo’s new album, High Roller, is a must-listen for any family that loves country rock. The band’s style is definitely influenced by country legends like Woody Guthrie and Johnny Cash, as well as a nice background in American folk traditions. - Boston's Children's Music

Hullabaloo’s latest album of “organic kid-folk” tunes begins with “High Roller”, the title track that will make you think Johnny Cash has been reborn. It’s a diddy so darn good you may never get past it. “High Roller”, the song, not only evokes the spirit of The Man in Black, it’s the ultimate ode to being a cool baby out on the town and may just be the best kid’s song of the year (also nominated for: best kiddie album artwork of the year). After you’ve heard “High Roller” a few (or a dozen) times, move along ’cause there are some other all-ages gems here. - Out With the Kids