Trifolkal: Press / Reviews

"Tao From The Mountain" (2003)] Don’t hold the cute title or the goofy cover photo against Laura Pole, Greg Trafidlo and Neal Phillips. This trio proves you can go far with love of the music and some very clever songwriting chops. While they do wish to be taken seriously, the three funny songs of the dozen on this album are funnier than most songs by dedicated comics. Trafidlo and Phillips’ “The Ballad of Libby Congriss” is both humorous and pointed. It tells the story of the bumbling folksong collector that records and copyrights a mountain woman’s traditional songs, sort of the dark but humorous side of the movie “Songcatcher.” Pole’s “Appalachian Rap” tell the complete history of the Appalachian Mountain range, rap style, in 1:53. However, the real side splitter here is the rewrite of the traditional Irish “The Star of the the County Down” as “The Starbucks of County Down,” by Phillips Trafidlo and John Seay. The trio shows impeccable taste in their choice of serious songs from the traditional “Shenandoah” to Tom Paxton’s “My Rambling Boy” and Woody’s “This Land is Your Land.” Although the notes list 11 accompanists, most play on one or two songs, and most of the production is as simple as could be desired. There is something so unpretentious and loving about this CD it reminds you of what folk music was originally all about, people getting together and making music for the love of the music. Trifolkal come across as professional, but not slick, and they are entertaining.

"[They] convey a quality of musical integrity that is fresh and wholesome, and clearly their own. They are obviously well-grounded in the best of the tradition."
– Steve Gillette (folksinger/songwriter)

“Trafidlo is one versatile songwriter… he has the talent to carry it off to share his affection for music and performing with the listener.”
– Sing Out! (review of “Cowriters in Disguise”)

"[Their] performances are a delight. Their musical energy, with Laura's pure soprano voice backed by Greg's clear vocal harmonies, makes for unrestrained, 100% pure enjoyment."
– Billy Edd Wheeler (songwriter)

“Laura, Greg and Neal, you have a unique gift of heartfelt simplicity and realism in your music. Thank you for making our night such a success.”
– Edward Pfister (Manager, Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra)

“That's a great song!”
– Pete Seeger (writing about Neal & Greg's song “Whatcha Gonna Leave?”)

“The harmonies are tasteful and the arrangements well chosen — it's a pleasant holiday outing for listening by the fireside.”
– Dirty Linen (review of “Songs of the Season”)

“a charming recording... All three are good singers, harmonize nicely, and bring a warmth and enthusiasm to their music that helps to make it just that much more enjoyable.”
– Dirty Linen (review of “Foxfire”)

“Greg’s talent transcends writing and performing... His personal connection to the Earth’s wholeness is clear in his music and his life. Greg treats a wide range of subjects with sensitivity and respect.”
– Jeff Hunt (Wisdom Radio, Review of “Old Dog, New Tracks”)

“Their three voices often blend with beautiful strength... Foxfire is a wonderful blend of uptempo fun, beauty, and novel selections.”
– Warren Kurtz (V Magazine, review of “Foxfire”)

“Greg Trafidlo’s songs will tickle your fancy, tickle your funny bone, tickle your thought processes, tickle your heart, and tickle your soul.”
– Mike Fleischer (WDCB-FM, Glen Ellyn, Illinois)

“Neal Phillips’ ‘Midwinter’s Night’ is truly lovely and a keeper.”
– Dirty Linen (review of “From Our Circle”—Baltimore Songwriters Association compilation CD including Neal Phillips)

“inventive, enjoyable...well played and produced”
– Dirty Linen (review of “Read My Heart to Me”)