Review by Brian Campbell:
Read the entire article here:
http://www.starpulse.com/news/Brian_Campbell/2010/05/25/craig_bancoff_eden_

“Eden” is a thoroughly blue collar effort rife with endearing melodies and engulfing affairs, a true roots record with Bancoff and his passionate and relatable vocals at the helm. Bancoff delivers his message with not only his powerful lyrics and traditional take on storytelling, but also his use of pedal steel and clean acoustic guitars, as well as a mandolin, presented as they should be – effect free and somewhat vulnerable, delivered with ease without being muddied. Bancoff’s range lies somewhere in-between James Taylor and early Tom Petty, and fans of Bruce Springsteen’s acoustic endeavors should find this record enjoyable as well."

Review by Folkways Magazine, written by James Kaufholz
Read the entire review:
http://www.folkwaysmagazine.com/2010/04/craig-bancoff-eden/#more-376
Excerpt:
"I was not surprised to see that Bancoff’s music is likened to Ryan Adams and The Jayhawks. As a fan of both Adams and The Jayhawks, I think it is a fair comparison. The instrumentation on Eden is done the way I like to hear on alt/country records. It is concise. The country basics are used, but they are used to good effect. No part is played that doesn’t need to be. The simple harmonies on “Crutch” are just right, the organ on “I Will Love You” gets the job done but doesn’t impose, and “Orchard Road,” steers clear of overpowering what has been played before it."

Folkways Magazine is a new project started by writers James Kaufholz, Even Sherman and Christopher Rambo. It offers subjective reviews of both new and older music, films and art.

AltCountry.nl Review

http://www.altcountry.nl/blog/2010/03/craig-bancoff/


Translation by Craig's myspace friend, Gerard, Dutchman52
Thank you Gerard

Rank: 5 stars out of 5

A bird’s-eye view with Google Earth shows us that Marion Pennsylvania is a rural town, just far enough from urban Philadelphia. In Marion lives Craig Bancoff, a very talented young man, who makes old-fashioned music. Old-fashioned, because his debut, “EDEN” ( Sweetie Records), is a heart-warming singer-songwriters record brimful with melancholy and desire. Simply you can imagine the melancholy Bancoff – at least in comparison to his glowing, intimate sound of voice – in rural Pennsylvania, in the middele of once very hard working labourers in metal industry, who now are unemployed above all. Bancoff radiates the same labour’s ethos on his “EDEN”, of a normal man, like the young Springsteen. Bass and drums are always the mid-tempo foundation of Bancoff’s amazing songs, which have been decorated variously by pedal steel, mandoline, fiddle, banjo and Hammond. It’s all very atmospheric and symbolic which Bancoff and his band set down; a perfect scenery besides for the superb songs of which I recommend especially Beautiful Lies, The Highway, Be Your Ghost and title song EDEN, without being deficiency to the other wonderful timeless songs. Based on only EDEN, Bancoff may be seen as being very talented, who is capable to break through in the near future. For the time being we have EDEN to enjoy by taking deep, deep draughts. “EDEN” is available at CD Baby.

Craig Bancoff 5 out of 5 Stars
by Wiebren Rijkeboer
Een vogelvlucht via Google Earth laat zien dat Merion in Pennsylvania een ruraal stadje is, net ver genoeg van het urbane Philadelphia. Uit dit Merion komt Craig Bancoff, een talentvolle jongeman die ouderwetse muziek maakt. Ouderwets omdat zijn debuut, Eden (Sweetie Records), een hartverwarmende singer-songwritersplaat is boordevol weemoed en verlangen. Je stelt je de melancholieke Bancoff – althans afgaand op zijn gloedvolle, intieme stemgeluid – eenvoudig voor in het landelijke Pennsylvania, temidden van de eens hardwerkende arbeiders in de staalindustrie, die nu overigens vooral werkeloos zijn. Bancoff straalt op zijn Eden eenzelfde arbeidsethos uit, dat van de gewone man, als de jonge Springsteen. Bas en drums zijn altijd het midtempo-fundament van Bancoffs geweldige liedjes, die dan afwisselend versierd worden door pedal steel, mandoline, fiddle, banjo en Hammond. Het is allemaal bijzonder sfeervol en beeldend wat deze Bancoff en zijn band neerzetten; een perfect decor bovendien voor de voortreffelijke songs, waarvan ik Beautiful Lies, The Highway, Be Your Ghost en titelnummer Eden in het bijzonder aanbeveel, zonder de bedoeling die andere tijdloze prachtliedjes tekort te doen. Alleen al op basis van Eden mag Craig Bancoff gezien worden als een groot talent, die in staat moet worden geacht in de nabije toekomst door te breken. Voorlopig hebben we Eden om met volle, volle teugen van te genieten. Eden is verkrijgbaar bij CD Baby.
Dutch review “EDEN”, Craig Bancoff ( original by Wiebren Rijkeboer, www.altcountry.nl)




Call It Folk by Tunesmith
http://callitfolk.blogspot.com/2010/02/pennsylvanias-craig-bancoff-eden-2010.html

Pennsylvania's Craig Bancoff-Eden
Here are two lovely, incredible songs fellow Pennsylvanian Craig Bancoff'. Orchard Road and Ferris Wheel are from his debut release, Eden, which just hit the stores in January. His signature sound is a fine mix of singer-songwriter, alt-country, and Americana. These two songs in particular, are short on lyrics, but their lush arrangements, and strong drawn-out vocals, gives us imagery far larger.

A review in BlogCritics by Mat Brewster:
http://blogcritics.org/music/article/radio-free-mp3-craig-bancoff-elizabeth/

"Crutch" - Craig Bancoff
From the album Eden

There are times in my life when I've felt so vulnerable, so incredibly fragile that it seemed the smallest movement, the slightest breeze would leave me shattered. Craig Bancoff writes music like that. "Crutch" is as fragile as a Faberge egg, and just as beautiful. It begins with this soft, precious plucking of guitar strings that sounds like a whisper. Craig enters with his gentle father voice that sounds something of a cross between Tom Petty and Ryan Adams. An organ swirls quietly in the back like a nursery rhyme. When things finally crank up a bit its still closer to story time in the library than a night at Good Time Charlies.

It is a lovely, beautiful song that while fragile glows with craftsmanship.

The new album, Eden, is out now. You can hear more on his Myspace page, or his official website.


-Mat Brewster, www.blogcritics.com

Review: Craig Bancoff "Eden"

http://billsmusicforum.blogspot.com/2010/01/review-craig-bancoff-eden.html#links

Craig Bancoff is making contemporary alt-country music for grown ups. If you are looking for that perfect soundtrack for your early morning Sundays, or something to contemplate during an overcast day, Bancoff's "Eden" is the CD to play.

Fearlessly exploring the "outskirts of Eden" with his wise and insightful lyrics, Bancoff is no stranger to the grit and grime of every man's work day. He has roots in the coal mines of western Pennsylvania, and the melancholy in his music captures that imagery. "Eden" is similar to the darker Springsteen acoustic classics, like "Nebraska" or "Ghost of Tom Joad". Still, at times, you can see a glimmer of light and inhale a breath of fresh air as you emerge from the depths of this record. The beautiful cover art is truly reflective of the music inside.

Bancoff couches his songs in pedal steel, mandolin, and acoustic guitars, straddling the line between soft rock and country. The instruments are expertly recorded, capturing their innate qualities rather than burying them in effects and noise. Bancoff's gentle yet firm vocals are ideal for this genre, somewhere between Jackson Browne and James Taylor. Highlights include the catchy opener "Crutch", the weepy "Beautiful Lies", and touching ballad, "Waiting".

If you like Tom Petty ("Wildflowers" era), Jayhawks, or Works Progress Administration, there is plenty on "Eden" that will feel like paradise to you.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 5, 7, 10

After the Bite:

Eden is a beautifully arranged album that fans of lush imagery and down home tonality will simply love. There is a very real sense of authenticity as told through acoustic guitars, violins, and plaintive lyrics sung with the patience of a veteran songwriter. These are ancient stories within a modern setting full of homesick nostalgia and rife with America in era not quite over. The instrumentation is outstanding without ever becoming self indulgent. The pedal steel is truly haunting and always supports the complex if not always conspicuous melody. The depth of the songs seem to reveal themselves over several listens with the arrangements gently there to reinforce it's veracity. I admit I'm torn when praising Eden. Not recognizing this album as a wondrous tribute to our deepest questions, sung with an equal part of sadness and equanimity, belies my appreciation of art at a fundamental level. However, to be swept away by it's charm and insight is to admit to sensitivity, pathos and reverence. The honesty of Eden is as distressing as it is glorious yet I'm left craving more.

-John White


Alt Country Forum:

http://www.altcountryforum.nl/2010/01/18/craig-bancoff-eden/


The CD from singer song writer Craig Bancoff came out in a beautiful class of art foldable CD cover, and the same artistic endeavor is found in the rich musical abundance on this silver disk. The songs on the disk suck you in as if you are standing in quicksand. The songs have a very delicate instrumental composition and artistry. Responsible for this are, Tom Hampton (mandolin, pedalsteel, banjo), Matty Muir (drums), Adam Winokur (bass guitar), Mike Frank (piano, hammondorgel) and Shelley Weiss (violin). The production is not excessive, but perfectly carried in equilibrium.
Each number has a story, and is lovely and warm. They seem to interface with the Jayhawks and Crowded House. The musicians on the album “Eden” present refined songs which did not bore me for one instance. Don’t expect hard rock, but rather melodies with reluctant guitars, and a fine voice from a singer with a little “cry’ in his voice. The Americana genre already exists for years, but it still keeps tasting for more. The CD “Eden” from Craig Bancoff is for me a paradise on earth, which won’t let it self be displaced very quickly from my cd-player.

Johan Schoenmakers


De cd “Eden” van singer-songwriter Craig Bancoff is gestoken in een mooie uitklapbare hoes, van dezelfde klasse als de muzikale rijkdom op dit zilverkleurige schijfje. Er staan liedjes op, die je meezuigen als stond je in een moeras. De man uit de Amerikaanse staat Pennsylvanië heeft dan ook een prachtige en overtuigende stem. De verzameling americanaliedjes worden fraai instrumentaal ingevuld. Verantwoordelijk hiervoor zijn Tom Hampton (mandolin, pedalsteel, banjo), Matty Muir (drums), Adam Winokur (basgitaar), Mike Frank (piano, hammondorgel) en Shelley Weiss (viool). De productie is niet overdadig, maar wel schitterend uitgebalanceerd.

De nummers zijn stuk voor stuk onderhoudend, lieflijk en warm. Ze hebben tevens raakvlakken met The Jayhawks en Crowded House. De muzikanten presenteren op het album “Eden” verfijnde liedjes, die mij geen moment verveelden. Verwacht geen uitbundige rockers, maar eerder melodieën met terughoudende gitaren en een prima stemgeluid van de zanger met de kleine snik. Het americana-genre bestaat al jaren, maar het smaakt nog steeds naar meer. De cd “Eden” van Craig Banhoff is voor mij dan ook het paradijs op aarde, die zich niet zo snel uit mijn cd-speler laat verdringen.

-Johan Schoenmakers

Eden

Un paradiso, forse perduto, quello che il giovane cantautore Craig Bancoff sta cercando, con la nostalgia che scaturisce direttamente dalla fine (definitiva?) di un sogno, le cui diramazioni invitano a cercare altrove, magari nelle periferie di un miracolo che ha scagliato l'ultima freccia - andata a vuoto, a quanto pare - ormai in tempi poco sospetti rispetto a una modernità in fase di smantellamento. Dalla Pennsylvania, dalle sue miniere di carbone, Bancoff estrae nostalgia e profumi, con l'occhio rivolto alla quotidianità della gente comune, tra realtà e speranza, rese incondizionate e dura lotta per la vita, soprattutto da parte di chi ci crede ancora. Eden è un esordio con i controfiocchi, dotato di un suono maturo e una manciata di grandi canzoni inquadrate nella prospettiva di chi ha già battuto il sentiero lasciando memorie ed eredità da catturare. Così, se la strumentazione è ricca e ben dosata, imperniata principalmente su un ordito roots contaminato da chitarra acustica, mandolino e banjo, le ricamature di organo, pianoforte e archi scandiscono i rintocchi di un orizzonte alternative apparentemente anacronistico, anche se tremendamente attuale, visti i ricami del suono che gira intorno, soprattutto in chiave Americana.

Introspezione, riflessione, cieli tersi invernali e qualche scossa elettrica in chiave poetica: questi gli ingredienti di una nuova promessa che bussa alla porta del giro che conta, in attesa di essere ascoltata. L'iniziale Crutch è una dichiarazione d'intenti, una ballata roots con il Tom Petty di Wildflowers e il Ryan Adams meno easy nelle vene, entrata acustica e un organo a sciogliere i ghiacci di curiosità e scetticismo. Beautiful Lies è un grande brano intorpidito dalla steel, un omaggio sentito ai Jayhawks, così come Somebody's End, un fraseggio tra country e radici nella migliore tradizione di Olson e Louris, I Will Love You una gradevolissima ballata che richiama una nostra recente conoscenza, Israel Nash Gripka, nella voce e nello stile, mentre Waiting chiude le tende all'orizzonte dipingendo le pareti domestiche del cuore, con rimandi al Jeff Black confessionale di B-Sides.

Tra soffici arrangiamenti di archi prende forma St. Anthony, una delle migliori ballate del lotto, con intuizioni liriche di prim'ordine che lasciano tracce permanenti ("Heaven is a ghost town in the sky") soprattutto in chi non ha intenzione di calare l'ancora della sua ricerca, ma all'appello rispondono anche The Highway e Sleep Sick, toni rarefatti, piano e pedal steel in lontananza a regalare una promessa country a chi la mantiene. Se Be Your Ghost e la title track contribuiscono a spalmare sui solchi un sottile strato pop che non guasta, Ferris Wheel e la conclusiva Orchard Road tornano nei meandri introspettivi dell'ispirazione di Bancoff, un autore di talento che potrebbe regalarci qualche sorpresa inaspettata. I numeri ci sono, le canzoni pure.
(David Nieri)

Finally some real music...
author: Abby Allen
Listening to Eden is like having a friend inside your head, someone who intuitively understands your pain but is able to express it in a way that is pure, raw, and ultimately empathetic. Craig has a unique gift for transforming these elements of the human condition (pain, ecstasy, and everything in between) into something truly beautiful. Craigs music puts it into words without resorting to cliches or saccharine sweet sentiments. It's raw, it's real. There's a true purity to the stories he tells, and it's extremely rare to find that in today's mass produced pop culture. You can tell that this guy has been through a lot, and I commend him for having the courage to put his soul out there. His album has gotten me through some tough times, and I thank him for that.



Can't stop listening, thank you...
author: Josef
I read a very positive review of this album from www.Altcountry.nl and decided to purchase it. I am so grateful that I found that review. This is one CD I will be listening to over and over again. It reminds me of the classics I am always drawn to, Ryan Adams, Wilco etc.
like being at home



author: Duncan RiZe
After enjoying the CD itself I actually was going to get a few downloads... I ended up just getting all the tracks and am really happy I did so. I really like this stuff! While Eden is not a concept CD in the old sense it IS a collection of thematically related stories. Each song complete in itself but put them all together and we hear a great example of "the sum of the parts is greater than the whole". The reason Eden is a bit difficult to review/write about is that what his music and lyrics convey are things necessarily expressed in song rather then the written word. And THAT, to me, is what great art is about; using a specific media to convey some of life's realities in ways that ONLY that art could convey it. Craig Bancoff pulls it off... majestically. What a GREAT thing it is to me to find a new favorite artist... I can't wait to hear more. But until that day I'll be quite satisfied to linger in Eden. It's a really good place to be and I love hanging out there.

Great Album !
author: Juliet
Not a bad song on here definitely moody in the best sense of the word. Eden is a very moving album, I cant stop listening. It's a great find!
Read more...


Amazing!!!
author: drummergirl
I can't stop listening to this album and I can't remember the last time I was this moved by an artist's lyrics, phrasing and vocals. They meld seamlessly with the breathtaking sounds of mandolin and pedal steel that grip your heart and don't let go. It is a worthwhile ride to say the least...


Hauntingly Beautiful
author: Marni Robbins
I LOVE this album! I can listen to Eden in any mood. When I am feeling happy, I sing along in the car remembering the past, my childhood, Steel Pier on the Boardwalk in the seventies, beautiful places I have been, how the forest feels camping under the stars at night. When I am feeling melancholy, I get lost in the haunting lyrics, I remember the moon over the woods, driving cross country alone on the dusty roads of the Midwest, I think of my grandparents and how much I loved them, and miss them. For me it is impossible to listen to Eden without experiencing a vivid world of imagery. It is the album I keep in my car's cd player and listen to over and over. It is the kind of album you can listen to from beginning to end. How rare is that these days?!? It has it's own pace and rhythm and takes me on a journey through my memories. It is nostalgic and achingly hopeful all at once.