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Their instrumentation-- Sheryl’s use of percussion interwoven with Don’s six- and twelve-string guitars-- gives their music a rhythmic drive rarely found in contemporary acoustic music: sometimes working as a compelling rhythm section supporting the vocal melodies and harmonies, sometimes lending a delicate accent, and often touching their music with a world beat flavor, through the use of percussion instruments from many cultures. Their early years performing in the bars and taverns of New York and New England helps to give their music a strength not often found in singer/songwriter acts-- you just can’t sing a lot of self-involved nonsense in clubs like that, not unless you can give it a great beat, and some energy and humor. Don and Sheryl have learned to combine upbeat, sometimes drivingly energetic songs with wistful, thoughtful ballads, for performances with grit as well as grace.
As innovative and refreshing as this duet’s instrumentation is, it is there mostly to support the real heart of their music, the songs themselves, and Don and Sheryl’s unique, powerful vocal harmonies. Don Haynie’s songwriting is often compared favorably with the greatest, like Bob Dylan and Randy Newman, and his songs can make you laugh, cry, or dance as he ranges in topic from the absurdities of modern life (Chaplain of the Mall) to the poignance of family (My Grandmother’s Piano) to the mysteries of mortality (When I Cross the Great Divide). Their excellent individual voices combine in well thought-out arrangements to sound sometimes like one incredible voice, and sometimes like more than two. Their songs and arrangements may be the result of studying their craft (and a healthy dose of inspiration) but their vocal blend is one of those acts of nature or magic that can never really be crafted, or duplicated, only appreciated. And it’s this unique vocal quality, along with great songs and arrangements, that puts them on a level with the best.
PO Box 353 · High Falls NY 12440 · USA
E-mail: mail@haysam.com
THEY SAID WHAT?!
| "Two excellent voices and a stage full of instruments . . . musically strong and lyrically significant." John Lindhorst, The Washington Street Mercantile Oregon, IL "An astonishingly talented duo . . . Don & Sheryl do a great blend of original songs that span many musical styles." Lena Spencer, Caffe Lena Saratoga Springs, NY Haunting harmonies . . . Sheryl Samuel's beautiful soprano and Don Haynie's clear tenor voice traded melodies seemingly effortlessly, giving their work a unity that's rare indeed." Hurdy Gurdy Folk Music Society "Great harmony vocals . . . love it." Peter Kernast,WTSR Trenton, NJ "Life in the Circus is a fine example of this duo's smooth vocalizing and serious lyric writing. Haynie's ballads have depth and grace . . . it's traditional folk music brought up to date . . . " Artie Traum Hudson Valley Magazine "The musicianship is excellent throughout . . . clear harmonies and solid guitar work . . .' My Grandmother's Piano' is a stunning story . . . ‘Old Eddie' is a moving ballad of the homeless . . . ‘Ever After' is simply one of the best love songs ever written. These songs deserve to become standards . . . exemplary contemporary acoustic music." Common Times Chicago, IL "Sparkling harmonies, and distinctive melodies, lyrics and topics . . . " Reston (VA) Folk Club "Thoughtful and thought-provoking songs." Iowa Public Radio "If you two were any tighter, you'd be obnoxious." Jesse Winchester "Pristine guitar playing . . . Seamless harmony . . . A sure instinct for lovely melodies, a brilliant sense of narrative and storytelling, and at times a wry wit . . . A treasure trove of potential hits." The Woodstock Times "There's a special, hard-to-define quality to Haynie & Samuel's singing . . . ('When I Cross) the Great Divide' is the best old-sounding new song I've heard yet in the 90's." Sing Out "Some of the smoothest and prettiest harmonies on the scene today . . . A quiet poetic strength in the best tradition of American balladeering." The Daily Freeman Kingston, NY "Ringing vocals, absorbing lyrics . . . Demonstrated the power of their voices and their songwriting talents . . . Their voices are able to soar, in tandem, through the various styles they play." Curry Coastal Pilot Oregon "One of the most thoughtful, well-performed, well-prepared shows in recent memory . . . intelligent, well-conceived folk-style songs . . . Haynie's accompaniment is flawless on both the 6- and 12- string guitar, and Samuel plays an exciting array of unusual and exotic percussion instruments . . . lyrics with meaning, wit, humanity, poignancy, and relevance . . . good at humor too." News and Review Chico, CA ". . . Strong melodies . . . tight harmonies, and interesting storylines. When their tours bring them through Washington (DC), they are an act to catch." Music Americana Newsletter "Haynie is a fine guitarist and harmonica player, and Samuel a percussionist who gets rhythms out of everything from a bodhran to eucalyptus leaves- strong singers, clever songwriting . . ." The Valley Advocate New England "A special bardic talent . . . (like) Dylan,. Tom Paxton, Phil Ochs . . . Randy Newman, or more recently, Suzanne Vega." The Woodstock Times "Songs that are stunning in both their depth of detail . . . to make everything ring sharply true." Dirty Linen "Tight harmonies with clarity and rousing sound . . . the tunes' arrangements are excellent." Victory Music Review Seattle, VA |