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REVIEWS AND QUOTES:
"That's the most infectious stuff I've ever heard!
-Bill Cody, WSM 650 AM, Nashville, TN
"You can't get too much of The Carper Family; their retro style of music may not be unusual, but they certainly are." -Jim Blum, Folk Alley
"Old-Fashioned Gals they may well be, but the Carper Family trio injects their traditional country and bluegrass music with some tasty modern vibes on their third disc. The Austin, Texas-based band comprises bassist and band namesake Melissa Carper, guitarist Jenn Miori, and the brilliant fiddle player Beth Chrisman. On this new album, co-producer Cindy Cashdollar plays pedal steel, National resophonic, and baritone Tricone. Telecaster authority Bill Kirchen spices the rockabilly "Foolish Ramblin' Man" and adds baritone Tele on "Ooh Baby," an original from Carper. Cashdollar and Kirchen are spectacular - of course. But this album belongs to Carper, Chrisman, and Miori. Each also has at least one show-stopping lead vocal - Carper on the romantic slow-dance "Ooh Baby" while Miori breaks your heart singing Floyd Tillman's "I Gotta Have My Baby Back." Miori also dispels the misbegotten notion that rhythm guitar is less important or requires less dedication than great lead playing; it's about being a guitar player. She and Carper are the obvious reasons this band lives so deep in the groove, but Chrisman is an equal, if a more subtle one. If the Gibson Brothers and Cherryholmes ring your bell, then this record is for you. If otherwise, the Carper Family should put you on the proper side of things as Mother Nature intended." - Rick Allen, Vintage Guitar Magazine
"I’ve been hearing about Austin trio the Carper Family for a while now, mainly from hardcore twang aficionados, so I knew I could expect some seriously beautiful old-school country roots music, but I was not prepared for how explosive these ladies were on stage! Lead singer and fiddler Beth Chrisman is a firebrand, and one hell of a performer! Bassist Melissa Carper has a voice that’s old beyond her time, with just the right kind of twangy lisp. She sounds like a ‘70s country star transported into the digital age, rhinestones and all! Guitarist and vocalist Jenn Miori has a quiet intensity to her singing that gives her beautiful vocals just the right kind of edge. The Carper Family take old country traditions out of the closet, dust them off, and spark them up on stage. Their vocal harmonies are impeccable and really the best part about them is that they don’t see any need to gussy up the music to make it fit with today’s artists. They’re totally happy just immersing themselves in the deep well of raw country traditions, and that fidelity to something real and authentic is what’s propelled their careers forward so quickly. Their 2013 album was a grassroots success, bringing them press from No Depression, Folk Alley,and Vintage Guitar Magazine, plus a guest spot on Prairie Home Companion. Pretty impressive, and a harbinger of things to come from one of the few groups today that truly understands the power of country music’s roots." -Devon Leger, the Bluegrass Situation
"The CD’s title is perfect because there’s an old-fashioned feel to their rootsy songs, ranging from upbeat swing to classic country to take-no-prisoners bluegrass, all expertly played by this Austin-based trio. Add stellar side players, like steel guitar master Cindy Cashdollar (who also co-produced the disc), and you’ve got magic. The Carper Family offers a blend of originals and covers; and even the covers fit like a soft cotton dress. Highly recommended."
-Jamie Anderson, Sing Out!
“The Carper Family’s second outing is superlative. Produced by Cindy Cashdollar, who also plays steel guitar, dobro and other instruments, it features such guests as Brennen Leigh, Lisa Pankratz, Bill Kirchen, Emily Gimble, Noel McKay and Danny Levin, but it’s Carper, Chrisman & Miori’s killer three part harmonies that make this so special, plus they have really great ears. Though only six of the 15 tracks are originals, the covers, which range from Brennen Leigh's Precious Jewel to Vida Wakeman’s Boxcar Blues (Hello Sunshine) from a 2009 Jeff & Vida album, via Floyd Tillman’s 1949 I’ve Gotta Have My Baby Back, Neil Young’s 1978 Comes A Time, John Lilly’s 2003 Last Chance To Dance, Larry Sparks’ 2005 City Folks Call Us Poor and Katie Euliss’ Bad Attitude from a 2007 Truckstop Honeymoon album, plus Aunt Rose by Gina Gallina, who was in The Camptown Ladies with Carper and Chrisman and I’ve Tried by Alaskan bluegrasser Todd Grebe,make up a stunning patchwork quilt" - John Conquest, 3rd Coast Music
“They remain anchored in the 20th century, but the Carper Family's second effort moves away from an old-timey Andrews Sisters vibe and closer to the contemporary country of Emmylou Harris and bluegrass of Laurie Lewis. The local trio achieves this mostly through song choice, a ringing country-rock reading of Neil Young's "Comes a Time" for instance, but also with helping hands from the likes of Bill Kirchen on guitar, Brennen Leigh on mandolin, Emily Gimble on piano, and Lisa Pankratz on drums. Cindy Cashdollar, best known as steel guitarist for Asleep at the Wheel, co-produces, and her exquisite touch manifests itself throughout, particularly on the swinging "Bad Attitude" and a torchy reading of Floyd Tillman's "I Gotta Have My Baby Back." Even then, the sisterly harmonies of bassist Melissa Carper, fiddler Beth Chrisman, and guitarist Jenn Miori – recalling the Roches or the McGarrigle sisters – remain the band's awe-inspiring calling card. ***” - Jim Caligiuri, The Austin Chronicle
"Anyone who likes Hot Club of Cowtown will immediately engage with the small ensemble western swing and cowboy sound of the Carper Family. Bass player Melissa Carper has a penned a collection of strong original songs that work perfectly in their take on the retro-hip wave."
-Art Menius, No Depression
"The Carper Family illustrates the unfair, unreasonable amount of talent, and specifically female talent, that can be found in Austin, TX on any given night. And that is what The Carper Family does; they are a working, local band, playing many nights a week at various Austin venues. Back When proves that this local band deserves more national, and international attention." -Kyle Coroneos, Saving Country Music
"The Carper Family isn't a family by blood, though they sing like one. The three are talented instrumentalists and vocalists who play bluegrass, old-time country and swing in a style that recalls the tight acoustic ensembles of the 1920s and '30s but with exquisitely tight three-part vocals and original material. The result is a sound that's both old and new, a fresh recasting of music that combines the emotional directness of their musical forebears with contemporary subjects."
-Madison Searle, Texas Music Magazine
“The Carper family impresses me in much the same way that the Riders in the Sky did 30 odd years ago. I was impressed with the way that a small group could deliver such a complete sound. Everyone sang lead and was capable of perfectly blended harmonies, all the while supporting the vocals with instrumental backup, at times flashy and at times subtle, but always appropriate...Their range of material is most impressive for such a young group, reflecting the various influences of the members, but whatever the genre, it is represented authentically and authoritatively. The harmonies are spot on and the instrumentals always fit. I hope that their career trajectory matches that of the Riders. They have what it takes. ”
-Tom Pittman (Austin Lounge Lizards, KUT Folkways host)
“The Carper Family is my favorite Texas band, and I know my high opinion of them is shared by many. This three-woman group performs in a traditional acoustic style, and their repertoire combines great country tunes with truly excellent original material. Much of that original material comes from bass player Melissa Carper, the band’s main songwriter, whose songs range from the deeply moving to the profoundly quirky. Melissa, Beth and Jenn take turns singing lead. Each possesses a distinctive voice, and their three-part harmonies blend sweet-and-smooth with honky tonk for a gorgeous sound.”
-Gary Mortensen (Texas Swing Kings)
"They're great instrumentalists, singers and songwriters and they have this unique way of blending contemporary with traditional. The result is this beautiful mix of timeless music."
-Cindy Cashdollar (Texas Steel Guitar Hall Of Fame)
-Bill Cody, WSM 650 AM, Nashville, TN
"You can't get too much of The Carper Family; their retro style of music may not be unusual, but they certainly are." -Jim Blum, Folk Alley
"Old-Fashioned Gals they may well be, but the Carper Family trio injects their traditional country and bluegrass music with some tasty modern vibes on their third disc. The Austin, Texas-based band comprises bassist and band namesake Melissa Carper, guitarist Jenn Miori, and the brilliant fiddle player Beth Chrisman. On this new album, co-producer Cindy Cashdollar plays pedal steel, National resophonic, and baritone Tricone. Telecaster authority Bill Kirchen spices the rockabilly "Foolish Ramblin' Man" and adds baritone Tele on "Ooh Baby," an original from Carper. Cashdollar and Kirchen are spectacular - of course. But this album belongs to Carper, Chrisman, and Miori. Each also has at least one show-stopping lead vocal - Carper on the romantic slow-dance "Ooh Baby" while Miori breaks your heart singing Floyd Tillman's "I Gotta Have My Baby Back." Miori also dispels the misbegotten notion that rhythm guitar is less important or requires less dedication than great lead playing; it's about being a guitar player. She and Carper are the obvious reasons this band lives so deep in the groove, but Chrisman is an equal, if a more subtle one. If the Gibson Brothers and Cherryholmes ring your bell, then this record is for you. If otherwise, the Carper Family should put you on the proper side of things as Mother Nature intended." - Rick Allen, Vintage Guitar Magazine
"I’ve been hearing about Austin trio the Carper Family for a while now, mainly from hardcore twang aficionados, so I knew I could expect some seriously beautiful old-school country roots music, but I was not prepared for how explosive these ladies were on stage! Lead singer and fiddler Beth Chrisman is a firebrand, and one hell of a performer! Bassist Melissa Carper has a voice that’s old beyond her time, with just the right kind of twangy lisp. She sounds like a ‘70s country star transported into the digital age, rhinestones and all! Guitarist and vocalist Jenn Miori has a quiet intensity to her singing that gives her beautiful vocals just the right kind of edge. The Carper Family take old country traditions out of the closet, dust them off, and spark them up on stage. Their vocal harmonies are impeccable and really the best part about them is that they don’t see any need to gussy up the music to make it fit with today’s artists. They’re totally happy just immersing themselves in the deep well of raw country traditions, and that fidelity to something real and authentic is what’s propelled their careers forward so quickly. Their 2013 album was a grassroots success, bringing them press from No Depression, Folk Alley,and Vintage Guitar Magazine, plus a guest spot on Prairie Home Companion. Pretty impressive, and a harbinger of things to come from one of the few groups today that truly understands the power of country music’s roots." -Devon Leger, the Bluegrass Situation
"The CD’s title is perfect because there’s an old-fashioned feel to their rootsy songs, ranging from upbeat swing to classic country to take-no-prisoners bluegrass, all expertly played by this Austin-based trio. Add stellar side players, like steel guitar master Cindy Cashdollar (who also co-produced the disc), and you’ve got magic. The Carper Family offers a blend of originals and covers; and even the covers fit like a soft cotton dress. Highly recommended."
-Jamie Anderson, Sing Out!
“The Carper Family’s second outing is superlative. Produced by Cindy Cashdollar, who also plays steel guitar, dobro and other instruments, it features such guests as Brennen Leigh, Lisa Pankratz, Bill Kirchen, Emily Gimble, Noel McKay and Danny Levin, but it’s Carper, Chrisman & Miori’s killer three part harmonies that make this so special, plus they have really great ears. Though only six of the 15 tracks are originals, the covers, which range from Brennen Leigh's Precious Jewel to Vida Wakeman’s Boxcar Blues (Hello Sunshine) from a 2009 Jeff & Vida album, via Floyd Tillman’s 1949 I’ve Gotta Have My Baby Back, Neil Young’s 1978 Comes A Time, John Lilly’s 2003 Last Chance To Dance, Larry Sparks’ 2005 City Folks Call Us Poor and Katie Euliss’ Bad Attitude from a 2007 Truckstop Honeymoon album, plus Aunt Rose by Gina Gallina, who was in The Camptown Ladies with Carper and Chrisman and I’ve Tried by Alaskan bluegrasser Todd Grebe,make up a stunning patchwork quilt" - John Conquest, 3rd Coast Music
“They remain anchored in the 20th century, but the Carper Family's second effort moves away from an old-timey Andrews Sisters vibe and closer to the contemporary country of Emmylou Harris and bluegrass of Laurie Lewis. The local trio achieves this mostly through song choice, a ringing country-rock reading of Neil Young's "Comes a Time" for instance, but also with helping hands from the likes of Bill Kirchen on guitar, Brennen Leigh on mandolin, Emily Gimble on piano, and Lisa Pankratz on drums. Cindy Cashdollar, best known as steel guitarist for Asleep at the Wheel, co-produces, and her exquisite touch manifests itself throughout, particularly on the swinging "Bad Attitude" and a torchy reading of Floyd Tillman's "I Gotta Have My Baby Back." Even then, the sisterly harmonies of bassist Melissa Carper, fiddler Beth Chrisman, and guitarist Jenn Miori – recalling the Roches or the McGarrigle sisters – remain the band's awe-inspiring calling card. ***” - Jim Caligiuri, The Austin Chronicle
"Anyone who likes Hot Club of Cowtown will immediately engage with the small ensemble western swing and cowboy sound of the Carper Family. Bass player Melissa Carper has a penned a collection of strong original songs that work perfectly in their take on the retro-hip wave."
-Art Menius, No Depression
"The Carper Family illustrates the unfair, unreasonable amount of talent, and specifically female talent, that can be found in Austin, TX on any given night. And that is what The Carper Family does; they are a working, local band, playing many nights a week at various Austin venues. Back When proves that this local band deserves more national, and international attention." -Kyle Coroneos, Saving Country Music
"The Carper Family isn't a family by blood, though they sing like one. The three are talented instrumentalists and vocalists who play bluegrass, old-time country and swing in a style that recalls the tight acoustic ensembles of the 1920s and '30s but with exquisitely tight three-part vocals and original material. The result is a sound that's both old and new, a fresh recasting of music that combines the emotional directness of their musical forebears with contemporary subjects."
-Madison Searle, Texas Music Magazine
“The Carper family impresses me in much the same way that the Riders in the Sky did 30 odd years ago. I was impressed with the way that a small group could deliver such a complete sound. Everyone sang lead and was capable of perfectly blended harmonies, all the while supporting the vocals with instrumental backup, at times flashy and at times subtle, but always appropriate...Their range of material is most impressive for such a young group, reflecting the various influences of the members, but whatever the genre, it is represented authentically and authoritatively. The harmonies are spot on and the instrumentals always fit. I hope that their career trajectory matches that of the Riders. They have what it takes. ”
-Tom Pittman (Austin Lounge Lizards, KUT Folkways host)
“The Carper Family is my favorite Texas band, and I know my high opinion of them is shared by many. This three-woman group performs in a traditional acoustic style, and their repertoire combines great country tunes with truly excellent original material. Much of that original material comes from bass player Melissa Carper, the band’s main songwriter, whose songs range from the deeply moving to the profoundly quirky. Melissa, Beth and Jenn take turns singing lead. Each possesses a distinctive voice, and their three-part harmonies blend sweet-and-smooth with honky tonk for a gorgeous sound.”
-Gary Mortensen (Texas Swing Kings)
"They're great instrumentalists, singers and songwriters and they have this unique way of blending contemporary with traditional. The result is this beautiful mix of timeless music."
-Cindy Cashdollar (Texas Steel Guitar Hall Of Fame)
High Resolution Photos
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photo by Chase Maclaskey
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photo by Ranjana Thomas
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photo by George Brainard
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photo by George Brainard
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