Unless somebody shows up real quick, this bunch is going to have to be crowned the new standard bearers of organic music. Folk, country, Americana, honky tonk? It's all here and done right. Singing, writing, playing, harmonizing? There's no corner you can look at with this bunch doesn't to it right and righteously. An utterly enjoyable trip down the blue highways, these are the sherpas that just won't steer you wrong. Killer stuff.
You’re not going to find the music of Blue Yonder sandwiched between commercials on CMT, or scintillating the models of a GAP commercial. But it’s also something that 25 years from now will sound just as inviting and appealing as it does today. It’s forged in time-tested tones, influences, and themes that will never go out-of-style. Trends come and go, but the appeal for classic country always remains.
They just stay tight, reminding us how good country music can be in the hands of masters.
When you hear the lead vocals, you can't help but think about Gram Parsons. This is a country album with strong bluegrass influence. It is filled with catchy melodies and great harmony vocals provided by tremendous musicians. If you're a fan of country music, you won't just like this album, you'll truly appreciate it.
A mix of virtuoso musicianship and original songwriting that plays as well in a hipster coffeehouse as it does in a small town concert hall.
Blue Yonder is serious West Virginia treasure.
There’s swing and there’s blues, but there ain’t nothing like swingin’ the blues and that’s exactly what this trio from West Virginia does…on their 2013 CD Bittersweet Road.
As Willie Sugarcapps is a Nashville supergroup made of local, veteran talent, Blue Yonder is West Virginia’s. Taking strands of early country music – from swing to honky-tonk, bluegrass and rockabillly – the band weaves them together in an authentic, down home style. Lilly has a half dozen albums or so out under his own name, Shafer is, perhaps, the best flatpicker next to Tony Rice and as with Jake Silver in Aoife O’Donovan’s band, Will Carter’s subtle jazz bass lines constantly drive the band into swing mode.
#2 on Freeform American Roots Chart
We hear John’s voice sliding effortlessly…with lots of tasteful and swingy guitar breaks…[;] neither old-time nor bluegrass, those who like Western Swing and country music will appreciate this recording.
Blue Yonder lives where classic country music meets western swing, a honky-tonk beat meets a beautiful ballad, and red hot country jazz guitar licks meet cool blue yodel vocals.