“Best Roots Music Albums of 2018 (So Far)….. Ready for prime time on the Americana charts.”
August 2018
“The beauty of this entire album is that it touches on so many styles of country music; we have a little swing, a little blues, some rock-a-billy, sad songs, happy songs, song to make you smile and song to make you think…. A very special album indeed.”
August 2018
“A wonderful album”
August 2018
“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.”
July 10, 2018
“The sound is authentically pure, and it’s both appealing and refreshing as the band moves through classic country, rockabilly, swing and folk…, reminding us how good country music can be in the hands of masters.”
July 2018
“On this 4th of July when we celebrate all things American, take a break from divisiveness of current affairs and put on Rough And Ready Heart. If you have any kind of country soul, it will make you want to grab your partner and take a spin across the living room floor.”
July 4, 2018
“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.”
June 15, 2018
“Lilly’s vocals are every bit as lonesome as those of [Gram] Parsons, and the harmony vocals are perfect. 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.”
June 5, 2018
“Usually a trio, on the new record percussion and Russ Hicks’ pedal steel accentuate a more resonant sound. The title track, with Robert Shafer’s distinctive guitar and John Lilly’s more recent, stronger vocal style, is a prime example of the depth of feeling they bring to this new batch of originals. Like Lilly’s heart, this album is ready for prime time on the Americana charts.”
Feb 5, 2018
“Blue Yonder is serious West Virginia treasure.”
April 28th, 2017
“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.”
October 1st, 2013
“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.”
February 18th, 2014
“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.”
December 30th, 2013
#2 on Freeform American Roots Chart”
November 2013
“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.”
July 1st, 2014
“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.”