Betsie Barnet: vocals
Jo Barrick: vocals
Robbie Bowman: guitar
Steve Newman: piano, keyboard, harmonica
Patti Rothberg: vocals, guitar, kazoo
Jason Shela: vocals
Tania Susskind: violin


Old Country is clearly dedicated to crossing roots-music genre lines, and it covers many different paths, from witty folk to clog-shaking Celtic. Newman plays the piano, keyboard and harmonica, and his "friends" are the guest singers; Newman proves to be a tasteful and responsive accompanist, ably underpinning Betsie Barnet and Patti Rothberg's nasal coltishness on the angsty "Not a Teenager Anymore" and the antsy "Lullaby for Lawyers". "East End My Cradle", "Fish and Chips" and "Bulldog Rovers" are homages to the pub-crawling lifestyle, and would be perfect accompaniment to a fun night out with friends or a serious, rip-roaring drunken binge (it's likely that Newman would prefer a mixture of both). Old Country gets a little nostalgic, and for many, it may be too kitschy. The audience for Newman's themes may be limited on this side of the pond, considering how much of his muse is taken with a love of the lifestyle and landscape of the traditional English countryside. Still, if you've ever shed a tear for good old England (whether you were born there, or have never ever visited), Old Country will make you misty-eyed once more.

-- Ryan Humm, Splendid Magazine, May 14, 2005


Steve Newman & Friends'Old Country sounds like a children's album, a children's album that shouldn't be a children's album. The vocals are way up front and the music is bouncy and saccharine to a fault. And though the title Old Country does ring true, with the songs rooted in traditional folk and old European styles, even that can't save it from its quiet, empty European pub feel. The songs do reach out to grab you, but, again, to a fault. But don't get me wrong. It's not all bad. Steve Newman & Friends know how to craft true, traditional music here and succeed at that. It just seems too shtick-y. I'll give it a C.

-- Alex Steininger, In Music We Trust, July 2005


Listening to a CD titled, "Steve Newman and Friends," I felt that I had wandered into a British pub. The folk music is not that much different from the sort lampooned in the Christopher Guest movie, "A Mighty Wind."

As with that film, some of the songs are clearly satirical, as when a woman sings of the lesson she learned growing up -"there are no turtles in Turtle Bay."

Another deals with lawyers as the worst pestilence on earth and sounds as if the author knows something about the subject.

The male vocalist (whom I presume is Newman, since the CD contains no liner notes) sounds British and sings a song about leaving Liverpool as well as an amusing salute to a fish and chips establishment. The vocals are pleasant though occasionally off pitch. You should it down with a draft of beer to get into the spirit of the album.

-- Barry Bassis, Town & Village, May 20,2004


British pub songs are no longer just for the British ... or just for the pub.

This CD is tons of fun. You feel the need to turn it up and dance with an old friend. In good pub song tradition, these songs are great to sing along to, even if you don't know all of the words. The rhymes are catchy and witty. Songs such as "Not A Teenager Anymore" and "Liverpool" are more heartfelt ballads. Then there are those good old belted-out jingles like "Fish And Chips" and "Lullaby For Lawyers" for those who are a little lighter at heart.

This disc even includes a gorgeously strung together song that doesn't even need lyrics to feel complete, entitled "Victory In Baghdad."

I was confused once I made it to "Clydeside," which has more of a Scottish feel - and accent - to it. But it is a enjoyable change of pace at that point.

All in all, this CD has a merry soul. It infuses the listener with the urge to get up and dance. It reminds you of a simpler time, when musicians didn't have to protest wars in Iraq and upcoming presidental elections in the same force they do today. It's a breath of fresh air.

-- Stephanie Joudrey, Indie-Music, February 5, 2005


Steve Newman & Friends give you a taste of the Old Country on their new CD. Newman plays the keyboards and harmonica and Jason Shela sings as if he is back in an old pub in England eating "Fish and Chips" and swilling down some foamy cold ones. While he is doing this, he asks himself why he ever left "Liverpool" in the first place.

Patti Rothberg adds her talents to the mix with her distinctive vocals and some well-timed kazoo playing. It's all such fun and comical, and I think it was meant to be that way. On "Lullaby For Lawyers" Rothberg does not sing the lawyers a real lullaby, it is a sardonic slap in the face for all of those that are in the profession. The words are quite frank, comparing those that practice law to skunks and several disgusting diseases. The one song that really paints a realistic picture is "Bulldog Rovers," it takes you right to the pub, sits you down at the round table with all of your buddies to reminisce about the football game you lost in the beloved cup game.

Anyone that enjoys Celtic music with that good time and rollicking in-the-pub ambiance will get a real charge out of this CD. The musicianship is quite good, particularly the piano playing of Steve Newman. Upon first listen your focus will be more on the lyrics and then after a few more spins, you will be able to appreciate the music behind the words. It all comes together nicely if you give it a chance. Pull up a stool, grab a cold one and sing along. All your troubles will disappear for a while when you hear this.

-- Keith Hannaleck, Blogcritics, January 13, 2005