Their [Andrew & Noah's] eclectic, multi-tracked arrangements show both considerable technical ability and an ear for orchestration.
Tom Nelligan, Dirty Linen Magazine
This astonishing album [Driftage GBR CD002] demonstrates a depth of musical understanding seldom found in musicians double or triple their ages.
Rob Weir, SingOut! Magazine
When it comes to just about every form of acoustic folk music imaginable, it's hard to identify anybody better at playing this great stuff than New York State's own Andrew & Noah VanNorstrand. These two brothers are fun, talented, and, above all great showmen!
Bill Knowlton, Bluegrass Ramble, WCNY-FM: Syracuse, NY
Surprising, refreshing, original yet traditional: if you didn't know their ages, you'd think the VanNorstrand brothers had been recording and touring for decades. If I were a recording company, I'd grab them up as quickly as possible!
Julie Lyonn Lieberman, author, improvising violinist/singer
Your CD [Driftage, GBR CD002] is still my absolute favorite this year - love every note, every tune!
Liz Carroll, Irish Fiddle Extraordinaire
The VanNorstrands plant their feet firmly in the musical traditions of North America, Ireland, and Scandinavia, but their musical imaginations soar, creating melodies and harmonies that are lyrical, exciting, and original. This is music that really makes me sit up and take notice -- and smile.
Susan Conger, performer, composer, and teacher
The VanNorstrand's latest CD is remarkable . so young, so talented, and they're two of the nicest kids. They are not shy in interviews and always willing to perform live. We've had some great times on the air!
Big Mike Fiss, Morning DJ
Sunny 102 Radio
These folks are going places!
Jay Ungar, performer, composer (Swinging Door Music)
If, like me, you've never heard of Noah and Andrew VanNorstrand, you're in for a CD chockfull of surprises. The first is that they are not the latest Scandinavian sensation rather two brothers from upstate New York. Second, they are so talented you'll wonder why you've not heard of them. Third, they play 14 instruments between them. Fourth, most of their material is original, yet sounds timeless. Finally, they are only 14 and 16! This astonishing album demonstrates a depth of musical understanding seldom found in musicians double or triple their ages.
Their repertoire is a mix of Scandinavian, Irish, and Appalachian, with quite a few other things mixed in as well. The title track opens with clipped, raw rhythmic fiddle to frame the second melody fiddle. The steady percussiveness of the rhythmic fiddle allows the melody fiddle to find some soulful swing and boogie grooves. "Chinquapin Hunting" opens as pure hoedown (think shoes going up high and coming down hard), moves into a New Grass bridge, and finishes back in the barn. Want more diversity? "Late Winter" begins as an unhurried meditation with Norwegian undertones, the segues into "Corbin Hill," which features Irish-style fiddling and African percussion! Or, try "Leviathan's Play," in which a simulated hardanger plays above slide didgeridoo. Then there's the "Flying Cloud" set with its Quebecois flair, complete with clogging. Superb guest work from Dan Gurney (flute, accordion), Perry Cleaveland (mandolin), and Kim VanNorstrand (piano and mother!) fills in what few musical gaps the lads leave. If you listen hard you can hear their youth, but I suspect most listeners will simply be blown away by such a smart and mature album from two rising stars.
Rob Weir, SingOut! Magazine
Andrew & Noah VanNorstrand are another fiddle-based duo, two teenage brothers from upstate New York who are off to a promising start. Driftage [GBR CD002 (2004)] highlights both their playing and compositional skills with largely original material written in Irish, Appalachian, and Scandinavian dance tune styles. Both brothers play the fiddle and more. Andrew adds guitar, bouzouki, and bass, while Noah provides African-style percussion and even some unlikely but surprisingly compatible didgeridoo accompaniment on one track. Their eclectic, multi-tracked arrangements show both considerable technical ability and an ear for orchestration.
Tom Nelligan, Dirty Linen Magazine
