Kathy Kallick Band

A few early reviews of Time …

FREIGHT TRAIN BOOGIE - By Kevin Russell

Kathy Kallick has a long history of releasing enormously satisfying CDs of California bluegrass, and this newest offering is no exception. Indeed, this splendid collection of songs and tunes may well be her best.
Kathy has always leaned heavily into traditional Monroe-style bluegrass while, at the same time, bringing something fresh and modern sounding to the genre. This CD demonstrates perfectly that balanced sensibility.
There are a couple other factors that contribute to the success of this recording. One is that voice. Part country, part bluegrass, part something entirely her own. She simply has one of the most convincing and emotionally expressive voices in bluegrass music today. The other piece is to note her ability to assemble a kick ass band! She always had capable band mates to support the music but this particular version of "the band" is the best to date. Each player is a master of his or her respective instruments.
Folks, this is a top-notch band with a top-notch singer. If you love modern bluegrass steeped in tradition, you're gonna love this one. I know I do.

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JAZZ WEEKLY (12-27-12) - By George W. Harris

Gotta admit that one of my guilty pleasures is bluegrass, and this lady, Kathy Kallick, does it just right. I’ve never understood why jazzers don’t dig this stuff, as the chops and improv skills by her and the supporting team are as impressive as any guy that goes to Catalina’s or The Blue Whale. There are a few instrumentals like “Old Red Mandolin” and Shuckin’ the Acorns” that would blow Bill Frisell and his cohorts off the stage anytime,while Kallick’s own tunes like “Time” and “Lulu and Jack” have some supercharged rhythm and interplay. Her voice is earthy and next door neighbor friendly, and the harmonies on classics like Bill Monroe’s “Lord Protect My Soul” or the traditional “Precious Memories” feel like a balm to your soul. The best of this genre has songs that tell a story, and there’s no shortage here. Good time music and playing for all times.

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FERVOR COULEE BLUEGRASS/Country Standard Time (1-5-13) - By Donald Teplyske

… Another album I must highly recommend is The Kathy Kallick Band's "Time." The follow-up recording to the excellent "Between the Hollow and the High-Rise," "Time" continues Kallick's tradition of releasing only the finest quality of music. This time out she mixes some excellent new songs (such as the title track, Bird, and the old-timey Fare Thee Well) with songs from the past including Vern and Ray's Thinkin' of Home, the Delmore's I'm Lonesome Without You, and Dark Hollow.
The Kallick Band has for years been so solid as a live act, and that mastery is fully captured on this album. Kallick's voice is a beautiful thing, and that is in evidence throughout. Give a listen to either Lulu and Jack or as part of the quartet on Bill Monroe's Lord Protect My Soul for confirmation.
"Time" is an album that is well-worth exploring as it will keep listeners entertained for its full fifty minutes. And I must state, it is so nice to see a bluegrass band put some effort into the packaging of their album; lovely. Kudos to Lisa Berman and the KKB for that.
- Various

Between the Hollow and the High-Rise – and its title track, “Where Is My Little Cabin Home” – spent more time in the BU and BMP national bluegrass charts than any other 2010-11 release – and also were the highest-ranked bluegrass releases on the folk-dj chart in those years. A few comments …

“Kathy Kallick is one of the best songwriters in bluegrass and acoustic music, always coming up with interesting, sometimes playful, always sure-handed songs [featuring] conversational yet evocative lyrics and solid bluegrass sensibilities. But this is primarily a band album, and the Kathy Kallick Band is a wonderful combination of youth and experience. It feels like they’re very comfortable playing together and with playing to the song. All are strong musicians and they create a distinctive band sound.”
- Chris Stuart, Sing Out!

“Great stuff! A nice mix of Kathy Kallick songs, lesser-known bluegrass gems, and instrumentals/songs from her bandmates. Kallick is in fine voice through-out, more than ably assisted by her first-rate band. Special kudos to Greg Booth, whose reso playing is stellar, and Annie Staninec, who is brilliant on fiddle throughout. Six of the fourteen tracks are Kallick originals, and all are strong. A fabulous recording, one that will bring pleasure to anyone who enjoys good songs, and quality picking and singing.”
- John Lawless, Bluegrass Today

“Kathy Kallick never disappoints. Her voice conveys such warmth that it fair melts even the most stridently traditional bluegrass purist. For many years, Kallick has not only been blazing a trail for females singing harmony-rich bluegrass but has been leading some of the strongest outfits the west coast has experienced. Kathy Kallick and her current band play bluegrass with a distinctive and fresh flavour.”
- Donald Teplyske, That High Lonesome Sound

“Oh, what a musical web they weave ... Kathy Kallick has been a top-echelon bluegrass artist since the mid-1970s. Her talented band fashions hot instrumen-tation and tight harmonies. Between the Hollow and the High-Rise has terrific originals and stellar covers, and is highly entertaining.”
- Paul Freeman, San Jose Mercury News
- Various

“A profound songwriter and expressive singer, San Franciscan Kathy Kallick is a mountain gal at heart. Her singing has always been earthy and passionate. As a songwriter, she knows how to pen beautiful impressionistic pieces with memorable contemporary messages. A troubadour and exquisite storyteller, (her) arrangements are tightly crafted, with each song given its own non-formulaic treatment.”
- Joe Ross

- BLUEGRASS NOW

“Kathy Kallick is a great singer in the bluegrass-country-folk idiom, and the show with her band included plenty of humor, pathos, zippy instrumentals, and country harmonies. And then there were the soaring moments that made me tingle.” - LONG BEACH PRESS-TELEGRAM

"Kathy Kallick is simply a great lead singer, with a voice that vividly expresses with power and clarity whatever emotions a lyric was meant to convey. [She also] displays her knack for writing burning bluegrass songs in a classic mode." - BLUEGRASS UNLIMITED

"Kallick pays her deepest respects to the roots of bluegrass music. She just dresses it up a little, adding a few offbeat twists and turns along the way. If you're looking for another Alison Krauss, try some early Rhonda Vincent. If you're interested in a unique vocal stylist who writes great songs and picks a pretty mean guitar, give her a listen." - MUSIC MONITOR

"A skillful songwriter with a knack for catchy melodies and thoughtful lyrics, Kallick's strong, earthy voice lends a celebratory as well as longing quality to 'Radio,' while the ballads like 'Save Everything' and 'Wish Me Well' combine resilience and sadness." - SING OUT!

"An outstanding band, led by Kathy Kallick who, given the breaks, could be the next ... [complete as appropriate]. Playing, singing, material and recording all first rate." - FOLK ROOTS

"Lively ... humorous ... thoughtful ... historical ... merry music. Recommended." - USA TODAY

"The most exciting children's recording I1ve heard in years, (with) stellar vocal and guitar work, gifted instrumentalists who understand the music, delightful, intelligent lyrics and mature musical content, and a refreshing, celebratory outlook on life." - ACOUSTIC GUITAR

"A delightful package of toe-tapping, Appalachian-style tunes. Highest rating!" - PARENTS MAGAZINE