Reviews of NOTA's Music

"Illusions"

WPAQ 740AM MOUNT AIRY, NC

 The sound is unique, superb and astounding!. The playing is executed with precision and the originality, for which this band is famous, is abundantly present.

It is a pleasure to commend this find CD to anyone seeking only the best in bluegrass based acoustic music.

Ralph D. Epperson Owner WPAQ & WBRF

 WBRF 98.1FM Galax, VA

 ". . . I can guarantee that "ILLUSIONS" will not only be a new project spotlighted but will be heard many times on my show. The songs written by band members Tim Sands and David Crawford: Driving by Graceland, Illusions, Forget About Me, and All That Matters are some of the best they have ever penned. The songs tell some great stories, the instrumentals are addictive and the harmonies are great . . NONE OF THE ABOVE . . A band that doesn't have to take a backseat to the nationally charted groups."

Jay Allen
Host of "Blueridge Backroads"

 

"make a note"

Sherry W. Boyd

WPAQ-Am program director

"NOTA is a tight and talented ensemble with TASTE! Their arrangements and original approach to a song make you play their recordings over & over.  There's an intelligent combination and blend that makes make a note a must for your listening library. Make a NOTA!"

Tommy Sells -  Big Country Bluegrass

"... this new project from None Of The Above showcases a band that is quickly establishing their own contemporary bluegrass sound.  You need to add this project to your bluegrass collection"

 

 remarks by listeners and fans:

"Keep up your good work and get a good promoter. You guys are really good. You should be moving up with your music." C&Y

"Howdy fellas: what a joy it was to run across your wonderful music. thank you for making my day a brighter one."  IM

"Love your band, The best group I have heard since the Seldom Scene. You are like a breath of fresh air. Great sound. You all have your own sound." JR

"From one picker to another - you guys are as good as it gets!!!!" B in SC

"...all points in between"

Bluegrass Unlimited,Jan. 2000

"...all points in between is the bands first recording and generally a successful debut featuring dynamic singing and supportive instrumentation.  While the band's style is anchored in traditional bluegrass, there is a contemporary flavor that seethes throughout. The 14 selections include such pieces as "Tennessee" and "Old Joe Clark" along with obscure tidbits like Tibby Edward's "But I Do" and John Hiatt's "Buffalo River Home".  There are also two original instrumentals.   Shortcomings should be overcome with experience and it might be interesting to see how this band progresses in the upcoming years"

Excerpts from Les McIntyre's Review in Bluegrass Unlimited Vol. 34, Issue 7

"A most interesting mix of tunes played in an engaging fashion.  I especially liked the original instrumentals (Paul's Breakdown and Skyline Drive) and the John Hiatt tune, Buffalo River Home (probably my favorite tune on the project). the group did a great job converting it blugrassically.  My Father's Son and Walking My Lord Up Calvary's Hill have some really nice harmonies."

From email sent to NOTA by Dave Higgs, Bluegrass Breakdown in November 1999

WPLN-FM Nashville, TN

  

None Of The Above "All Points In Between"
Back Forty Records -1999

"None Of The Above is a bluegrass band based in the Mt. Airy, NC area. They make frequent appearances at the Horse's Mouth Coffee Shop in Winston Salem, NC, the Blueridge Jamboree in Mt. Airy, NC, the Andy Griffith Playhouse, Mineral Springs Music Barn in Waxhaw,NC, the Court Square Opry in Shelby, NC, and numerous local street scenes and festivals in the area. Their music is a mixture of bluegrass, newgrass acoustic, country folk and old time.

The songs on this project range from country stars Marty Stuart and Dwight Yoakam, rock legends John Hiatt and the Byrds, old time instrumentals, and several of their own original songs. Each member of the group has his own traditional roots, bringing their own style into the band.

None Of The Above is a fine group. They have an excellent sound. I had heard them on WPAQ AM-740 in Mt. Airy, NC, but did not know who they were because the DJ did not announce the name of the group. Their music is a mixture of bluegrass and old time with a little country and folk thrown in. I did enjoy this CD and look forward to more from this group."

Excerpts from Harold Benfield, Bluegrass Telegraph review, Jan. 2000

Bluegrass News

Gone are the days when bluegrass bands all sounded the same. This is certainly evident when listening to this first-time recording by None Of The Above. These North Carolina boys have a special talent for arranging that makes even traditional tunes like Old Joe Clark sound new and refreshing.

This is a well paced album that kicks off with some catchy guitar licks and the dynamic singing of Tim Sands on an up-tempo song that reminds those of us who are of the male persuasion, "Don't Leave Her Lonely Too Long."

My favorites from the 14 selections on this album are "Paul's Breakdown," an original instrumental by guitar player, Tim Sands; "Hold On To God," a gospel song written by Dwight Yoakam; "Hickory Wind," a nice rendition of the Bob Buchanan/Gram Parsons song recorded years ago by Emmylou Harris; "Buffalo River Home," a bluegrass arrangement of a song written by John Hiatt; "Tennessee," a nice arrangement of the traditional classic; "Skyline Drive," an original instrumental by mandolin player, Charlie Wagoner... Well, you get the idea. This album is packed with good material.

The group on this recording consists of Tim Harrison on bass and baritone; Tim Sands on guitar and lead vocals; Roger Stamper on fiddle; Mark Thomas on banjo and high tenor; Charlie Wagoner on mandolin.

The sound quality is exceptional, thanks to the fine engineering, recording and mixing of Van Gallman at Old House Recording Studio in Dobson, North Carolina. His talent combined with the consistently strong vocals of Tim Sands will have you listening to "...all points in between" time and time again.

This one is a keeper.

Review written by Gerald Cohail