Wild Card "Wows 'em"!

NOMINATED BY A COMMITTEE OF THE INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS MUSIC ASSOCIATION AS A 2003 EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR

“Straight-up, no-nonsense, take-no-prisoners bluegrass” ~ Steve Daugherty, WUWG, GA

“James Reams and the Barnstormers rely on early country material and originals written in authentic style. The results are a virtual history of the music and its roots, played in a clean, heartfelt manner that is somewhere between Monroe’s and the Stanleys’.” ~ Stephanie P. Ledgin, Homegrown Music: Discovering Bluegrass

“[James Reams sounds] as smoky as his heroes: Lester, Carter, and Red." ~ Banjo Newsletter

“[James Reams & the Barnstormers] traffic in…’traditional grass’…inspired by the late 1940s/'50s sound of founders Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers and Flatt & Scruggs - which they take into our own time with tasteful adjustments… It's hard for me to imagine how anyone who likes bluegrass could dislike what James Reams & the Barnstormers are doing with it.” ~ Jerome Clark, Rambles.net

“This isn’t citified, ersatz bluegrass, it’s the real stuff, … reminiscent of the sophisticated stylings of fellow Kentuckian Bill Monroe mixed with the old time, deep-hollow sound of the Stanley Brothers. This is hard-core bluegrass from down home.” ~ John Lupton, Country Standard Time

“Listening to James Reams and the Barnstormers takes you back to the hills of old Kentucky and the sweet and sometimes mournful sound of bluegrass that echoed through the mountains and valleys of the Bluegrass State. James is truly a gift to the bluegrass world, and a testament to the beauty of the deep seeded roots of the music he loves.” ~ Ron Kodish, Festival Promoter

"James is such an inspiration to watch. He truly feels his music, and sings from his very soul…. If James is ever within your area, he is a ‘must see’ bluegrass icon." ~ Jerry Paul, former editor of Acoustica

“James Reams & The Barnstormers' instrumental amalgam of roots, rockabilly and bluegrass embodies the “Three Es of Old-School”: edgy, emotional and exciting. These guys live and die by the code to keep audiences from coast to coast erring on the side of wildly entertained. They accomplish their goal so well.” - Flagstaff LIVE!

"Arizona-based and solid front man (vocalist/guitarist) James Reams of James Reams & The Barnstormers treats the audience to a collective onstage effort that is easy, breezy and fun lovin’. As a bonus treat, Grand Ole Opry musician and legendary bluegrass fiddler, Blaine Sprouse, was featured the night we went…WOW! They combined tasty vocal harmonies, good clean fun, and amazing instrumental skill throughout their infectiously likeable set.” Pat Taylor, Canyon Crier (Los Angeles area)


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