Reviews about BLUE YORK, the first citygrass album in this series: author: susie fryett Ear Candy! Wow, what a grand ride this album is, I discover something new each time I hear it. Great songwriting, wonderful vocal leads and harmonies, creative instrumental licks, this has it all. A fine project from start to finish, it is a must have!! author: AshBrooke Grace Music I can't take this out of the CD player. The melodies are memorable, the hooks abound, the musicianship is quality, and the lyrics are intelligent and capturing. Here's hoping for major airplay. There's a new band in town, and the town's not Nashville. . .it's New York City. Singer/Songwriter John thomas Oaks has come out with an incredible debut bluegrass album. I wasn't sure what to expect when this was first recommended to me, but I can honestly say that it's the best 'newgrass' release I've heard all year. These songs have been playing non-stop on my iPod for the last week, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. Whether it's the fire-friction banjo of "Goin' Up to Harlem," the stirring nostalgia of "Blue" (which one can assume inspired the excellent cover art), the catchy tune and down-south vibe of "Roseangela," or the edgy groove of "Liberation," you can drop your iTunes needle anywhere on BLUE YORK and listen to a gem. This album gets an easy five stars, and watch out for John thomas Oaks. . .I'm willing to wager he has a bright shiny new career ahead of him. Blue York is a great blend of bluegrass with a very hip twist. John thomas Oaks is a master with words. You have to really pay attention because his style of writing is from a real thinker's point of view. Not just your ordinary bluegrass album!! author: Michael L. Browns Host of "Deep Cut Bluegrass" on The Bluegrass Mix John Thomas Oaks and his band Grand Central are definitely at the forefront of the contemporary Bluegrass music scene. Their current independent label project, "Blue York" is filled with sixteen.... that's right sixteen tracks.... of Bluegrass songs telling stories of living in the "Big Apple". While they are a solid contemporary Bluegrass band, it's easy to find traditional Bluegrass music values in their music. Their Bluegrass has been called, "Big Apple-achian Citygrass Music" and that definitely describes their style. They use traditional Bluegrass instruments... guitar, banjo, mandolin, upright bass, Dobro and fiddle for the most part but on occasion they incorporate a harmonica and piano. All the members of the band are excellent musicians and singers... they have great harmonies and solid solo voices as well. According to the band's Facebook entry, their musical influences are Mindy Smith, Alison Krauss, Tom Waits, Del McCoury The band leader, John Thomas Oaks has a very impressive resume. - Bachelor of Music in Studio Music and Jazz from the University of Tennessee - Composer, Lyricist, Pianist, Music Director - Worked in Film, Television and Radio Broadcasting One more thing to JT Oaks' credit, he's a trusting and generous man. Here's what he has on his web site about buying the new CD... "Also, if you can’t afford the full price, we can send you a copy of the CD that has 10 of the songs on it for whatever you can afford (even if that means nothing!). Just send us an email, and we’ll pop one in the mail to you!" The most unusual track on the CD is the last one, "All The Way Back Home To NYC" as they use a banjo and believe it or not, someone is playing a saw! The song begins with the band sitting around discussing the finishing touches on the lyrics of the song. I am thoroughly enjoying this CD and will definitely be playing several of the tracks on my show over the next several months. VEGAS BLUE was recorded and mixed by Steve Gulley and Bryan Turner • Mastered by Bryan Turner • Additional mixing and mastering by Ronnie Brookshire and Dave Dillbeck Arranged by John thomas Oaks • Written by John thomas Oaks and: Andy Corbitt (co-lyricist - HEART OF DIXIE and THE THINGS I KNOW) • David Cornue (composer/lyricist - PENNY WISHES and co-composer/lyricist - REDHEAD) • Sam Holtzapple (lyricist - BUT TODAY, VEGAS BLUE, I LIKE PIE, CITY PRAYER and NOTHING MORE BEAUTIFUL) •  Jerry Hughes (lyricist - SUN CITY) • Joss Whedon (composer/lyricist - FIREFLY MAIN THEME) • Brian Woodbury (composer - THE LAST OF THE HONKY TONK ANGELS) Lead vocals by John thomas Oaks except SUN CITY by Jenna Weaver • Background vocals by Dale Ann Bradley and Steve Gulley Cover photograph - Mike Wagner • Art direction and design - Amos Oaks • Design and layout - Robin Patrick at Moxie Creative Studio Musicians: Barry Bales - Bass • Mark Boling - Guitar (CITY PRAYER) • Justin Moses - Dobro and fiddle • John thomas Oaks - Hammered dulcimer • Alan Smithee - Balalaika, bouzouki, tambourine and Turkish violin • Ron Stewart - Banjo and fiddle • Tim Stafford - Guitar • Adam Steffey - Mandolin Thanks to: Jesus Christ, Steve Gulley, Amos Oaks, Robin Patrick, My co-writers, Aaron Sugg and all you Kickstarters! Special Thanks to: Ronnie Brookshire, Catherine Cornue, David Cornue, Susan Gallin, Robert & Jami Harvey, Elicia Hunt, Rod Hasler, Fred Beerwart, Susan Kolody, Randy & Debbie Slagle, Steve & Cheryle Cosgrove, Gary & Julie Black, Josh Parker, Michael Cates, Greg and Tammie Esselman, Jim Esselman, Denise Robinson and John Manley Produced by John thomas Oaks and David Cornue Associate Producers: Roy Huskins, John Manley and Denise Robinson