fyjkdty

The one thing that you will notice about The Barley Boys is that they have a lot of energy, and they bring it to their music. The Days of Abundance is a combination of traditional Celtic sounds and more contemporary music, and the musicianship is quite good. Sometimes, such as track 4, Life Divine, the song highlights the music and just goes with it for a bit, rather than trying too hard to be a sing along type of tune. It is nice.

I hate to pick favorites, but I can't help but tell you that Raggle Taggle Gypsy was such a high energy song that the five minutes it played was much too short and I had to play it again. It was one of the best songs I have heard in a while. The complexity of much of the music on this CD makes it exciting to listen to.

You really get the sense that these guys are all about the music, but they aren't afraid to have a bit of fun either. Track 9, Scolding Wife is a good, easy romp which is done well and brings a smile. There really is a nice mix to this compilation of songs, and the energy continues throughout until the very last song, which is the only one that is a fairly slow tune. A simple wrap-up to a great album.

- by Catherine L. Tully

“Rooted in Celtic and rock music, Babick introduces traces of jam bands, jazz, blues and more throughout the album. There is a tremendous sense of timing that drives the songs without sound rushed; this is complimented by the high quality musicianship exhibited by all the participants…(The Days of Abundance) album is excellent.”
- - Jamie O'Brien. The Irish Edition

- “The band approaches the 15 songs on 'It's a Long Drive from Ireland' with power, pleasure and enthusiasm. This strikes me as the kind of band some would really want to hear. Where the Barley Boys stand out is with their utterly professional approach and commitment: they know how to play and sing.” .
- Jamie O'Brien. The Irish Edition

'It's a Long Drive from Ireland' - is a lighthearted romp through Irish, American, and even some Canadian folk music. It begins with a bang and it ends with a bang with nary a whimper in the middle.... Well, make no mistake, this makes for great listening…. these songs hold up the tail end of the album with good singing, good musicianship, and all-around good fun.”. - Tom Rooney and Fran Johnson. The Irish American.

- Irish music has become pervasive through the efforts of musicians of all stripes: some that you recognize, some that you hardly ever heard of. Here is one band you should check out. The Barley Boys self-released the witty "It's a Long Drive from Ireland!", a collection of 15 tracks. The best o' the batch is the song "Me Father's Shoes", a great song and a great way to wind up your green music set list.
- Brad Auerbach. California Entertainment Review.

"The Barley Boys were AWESOME at the Celtic Classic. Crowd response was overwhelming. They played to a packed house at each performance. The energy level was amazing! The musicianship was excellent. Anyone who books them will not be disappointed by any means." - -Gregory Cunningham, President,. Celtic Cultural Alliance Bethlehem, PA

“Their tight sound, quick switches, and upbeat attitude are a credit to their eight years of playing. What better way to recover from a weekend of cover bands than with some traditional, good-time, original Irish music. Good for the soul.” - -John Hirce.,The Sandpaper

"An up and coming, rip-roaring Irish-American band!" - -Mary O'Kane. ,The Irish Show, WTMR Radio

”The Days of Abundance” Voted Celtic Music Magazine’s
#1 of Top 10 CD’s of 2005 - celticmp3s.com

"The Barley Boys are sure to take the Celtic Community by storm; a very talented bunch of lads that know what it takes to get a crowd excited. Watch out for these boys!” - -Graham Wright. The Glengarry Bhoys