Read Our Reviews

Flood victims come in all shapes and sizes. Some have heard the guys in concert. Others have the new CD or have listened to the band on the Web. Most have something to say about the experience. Some have even published their reflections in newspapers or magazines. We share the comments of Flood survivors here. We welcome you to contribute your own words, wit and wisdom to this page. Just drop us a line at the1937flood@aol.com.

John Blisard, Charleston, WV: Really enjoyed the Flood CD. Wonderful mix of tunes. That you're having fun comes through in the music.

Tex Brashear, Silver City, NM: We had a chance to listen to your CD, and the votes are in. Three thumbs up! (4 if you include our Siberian Husky Zorro's paw). Even Melissa asked to hear "Sweet Georgia Brown" a second and third time. When an Appalachian band can get requested encores from a 20-year-old girl raised in the West, that's an achievement! Wonderful stuff! Goes great with pizza, too! We ordered a pizza, put on your CD and had a grand old time. Somehow, cornbread, black-eyed peas and chitlins seemed appropriate, but Melissa insisted on the pizza...But we really enjoyed it. In fact, Joni took the CD to work yesterday to play in her office. She manages an optical company, and one of her employees is from West Virginia, and I'm sure he will get homesick.

Tim Dahmer of King George, Va.: "This band is great!"

Phyllis Dale, Winter Park, FL: We listened to your CD five or six times in the car on the drive home from New Orleans and loved it! The 1937 Flood is an outstanding blend of country, bluegrass and folk mixed together. You'll listen to it and immediately want to hear again.

Tom Druckenmiller, Sing Out Magazine: "They have an obvious love for the music and a deep affection for playing with each other. The spontaneity of the proceedings and the fine times had by all is quite evident and very infectious. Isn't that what entertainment is all about? The 1937 Flood knows that quite well.

Steve Eschelman, WSAZ-TV, Huntington, WV: As long as the notes keep falling into place, the 1937 Flood won't be receding any time soon.

Phillip "Icky" Frye. I just wanted to drop you guys a line and say thank you for the CD ("I'd Rather Be Flooded") and to let you know I am honored to be mentioned on cut 13. I would also love the opportunity to set in with you guys, we would have a blast!!! ... Thank you again for the CD, I'm glad to see songs as these are not forgotten!! And this band covers them well !!!

Paul W. Hitchcock, WMKY Program/Production Director, Morehead, Ky.: Wow!! What a great job you did on our "Americana Crossroads Live" show. I've heard so many positive comments on your set. You will have to return again!!"

Bill Hoke, Abingdon, VA: Got the new CD last week. THANK YOU !!! GREAT COVER GRAPHICS !! Why, down right Pro-fissional ! You sure are (and always have been) good at choosing songs/tunes. Am very glad the banjo plays a more active roll in the sound. Really makes a difference. And I may never understand how Dave plays chords on an autoharp that I'm sure don't even exist on an autoharp. Magic !! I have been wondering what you guys could do to in a second CD that would live up to the expectations the first CD would give a listener. The first CD set some pretty high standards. I believe you've done it. The Flood has maintained and in some cases improved on a sound that was already great. You guys done good.

Patty Jennings, Huntington, WV: I love the new CD! I played it during our book club meeting and everyone there liked it, too. It was perfect accompaniment to our book discussion. I also played the soundtrack from the Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood, the soundtrack from Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou? and others. Anyway, just wanted to thank you again for the CD. We will use it as staple background music for sure.

Connie Jones, New Orleans, LA: "I just listened to the latest CD and I just wanted to let you know that I REALLY enjoyed the music, keyword being 'music.' I think that the choice of some of the 'trad' jazz songs goes a long way in the proviing that there are only two kiunds of music: good music and people who play good music badly, trying to prove that their style of music is better than any other."

Jazzou Jones, Carmel, Maine, cruise director, The Delta Queen: "I'm still aquiver over the great time with The Flood playing at the landing and then onboard the Delta Queen. It couldn't have been more fun! ... If our passenger reaction was anything like what you experience from your regular audiences, then your concerts and appearances must be a real blast. Thanks for bringing a little extra cheer to our folks! Please extend my greetings and thanks to the guys in the band."

Dave Lavender, Herald-Dispatch, Huntington, WV: The band has been aging its music in time's oak barrel like a fine bourbon, making musical magic.

LDP, Dirty Linen magazine: The 1937 Flood is a group of six West Virginia pickers playing whatever makes 'em happy. That's fine by me, especially when the mix includes old-time and hot-club jazz with some jug band chestnuts thrown in for good fun. The group does fine versions of "Alabama Jubilee" and "Lady Be Good." Other covers are as diverse as "Sail Away Ladies" and "Rag Mama."

Rusty Marks, Charleston (WV) Gazette: They switch gears from racy blues to sweet Appalachian folk music in an instant, then branch off into jazz standards.

Lee Maynard, Cochiti Lake, N.M., novelist: "Got the CD. I even played it. DAMN! You'uns is plum good! Thet 'er music jis dang takes me back ter the home place."

Steve McKenzie, Wilmington, NC: Really enjoyed your CD, especially "Fair and Tender Maidens." I live now in North Carolina, but I am from West Virginia and this really took me back home.

Del. Don Perdue of the West Virginia Legislature, Wayne, WV: HELP ME. I am addicted to your music. The CD is TERRIFIC. It's fun, I know most of the words to several of them (and am rapidly learning the others) and its NOT RAP!

Peggy Poole, Garden Grove, CA: I've had such fun listening to the music. Also such fun reading the liner notes and the history of The 1937 Flood. I learned much from all the credits. "Fair and Tender Maidens" has a very Celtic sound to it -- much mountain music seems to. "Sweet Georgia Brown" -- I didn't know that Ethel Wates recorded it. I've heard it all my life and like it a lot. I remember when Ben Bernie had a radio program when I was a child. We always listened to it. "Youser, Youser, Youser" was one his trademark sayings. "Sally Garden" -- I've heard this one when I attended Irish festivals, but I did not know that Yeats wrote the lyrics. "Sunny Side of the Street" -- another we used to sing. See all the good memories you brought, plus what I've learn? Thanks!

Congressman Nick Joe Rahall, Washington, D.C.: The music of The 1937 Flood is certainly not a natural disaster, for it flows as sweetly and naturally as the Ohio River on a June afternoon!"

Michelle Russo, Huntington, WV: If you want to be well entertained, catch a performance by The 1937 Flood. You won’t be sorry -- these guys are great. There’s Joe Dobbs on the fiddle, Dave Peyton on the auto harp, the multi-talented Charlie Bowen and Sam St. Clair. Oh, and not to forget Chuck Romine. They are a great jug band, even if they don’t have a jug. So, if you’re in the mood for cutting the rug, come see The 1937 Flood and bring your own jug. (published May 13, 2004, in Huntington's Herald-Dispatch).

Mack Samples, Duck, WV: Thelma and I listened to your new CD on the way up I-79. It's great. We thouroughly enjoyed every tune and got lots of smiles. You guys are on your way to becoming rich and famous... or at least famous.

David Satterfield, Charleston, WV, West Virginia Economic Development Office: Thanks for the great CD. I had a chance to enjoy it this weekend. I traded sets in the early 80s with a group (duo) 'Spigot and Plummer'and they played a few of the tunes also. It brought back many good memories. The group has a great sound and I'm sure it is a great deal of fun."

Judy Thielke, Minnesota: Thank you for the CD -- it's great! I brought it in to work and shared it with the gals for some afternoon delight during our coffee break. Everybody loved it. It's the kind of music that really perks a person up. The band is wonderful and the Norweigians up in Minnesota enjoyed it over a cup of cappacino this afternoon!

Helga Thorn, Huntington, WV: I love your CD. The variety of tunes is a fine showcase for your diverse talents. Keep up the good work and don't get "uppety" when you make it big.

Sandy White, Huntington, WV, personnel manager of the Huntington Symphony Orchestra, "what fun it was for our orchestra to have all of you as are guest artists. We knew ahead of time that it would be a wonderful evening of music. You already have your own following of fans, and we were really happy to introduce you to our audience. I have enjoyed your CD many times since that concert. You all represent the very best of Huntington."

Bob Wise, governor, state of West Virginia: You all are really very good. I'm taking the liberty of forwarding your CD to Alisa Bailey, director of the Bureau of Commerce. I wish you luck with any future recordings you do.