"Gandalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams is simply one of the finest American bands out there on the road."
All Music Guide
"Super and Natural... I love this band!"
Gene Shay
WXPN FM - Philadelphia
"Whenever I watch The Circus it reminds me to write and perform with my whole heart and soul."
Dar Williams
"A truly remarkable record. I couldn't believe how good it is. Had they made a single, it would be hailed as a classic."
Bruce Warren, PD
WXPN FM - Philadelphia
"Mightily impressive and hugely original... 'tis truly an epic soundtrack."
Maverick Magazine - UK
"Casting a wide net, their music energizes anyone who hears it."
Relix Magazine
"My biggest surprise of the weekend. I was instantly mesmerized. In a word, they are MAGNIFICENT!".
Fern MacDonald
Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Review
"This band is at once completely original and entirely familiar. A truly magical experience even if you're just having a conversation with them. It's been a privilege to play their special brand of music on the air. All hail the Circus of Dreams!"
Spider Glenn
Vermont Radio Personality/ WNTI NJ
"Flapjacks from the Sky' abounds with personality, humor, honesty, goodness and grace, a human warmth brought on by connection to the larger whole and a higher spirit."
Mike Jurkovic
Chronogram
"(Flapjacks is) a sustained moment of revelation... A quest for the real gold, the kind that can't be bought or sold. Life changing... a real masterpiece."
Pete & Maura Kennedy
The Kennedys
"This band is a riveting, mesmerizing, crazy, amazing machine of music that gives you chills both through the playing of their eclectic musical devices, as well as through their spiritually evoking lyrical content."
Bottomline NYC Concert Review, Chronogram
"Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams kick some mean hillbilly butt beside Joziah's wry hangdog lead."
Mari McAvenia
Martha's Vineyard Times
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Rhythm and News Magazine
October 2000
Live Concert Review
Beacon Corn Festival
Sunday - August 13, 2000
Gandalf Murphy braves weather to perform stellar fest set
By ALAN SEMENOVICH
Though the rain threatened to ruin the day, Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams went about their business as they prepared to perform atop the weather-worn stage set against the backdrop of the Hudson River.
Taking center stage, goateed frontman Joziah Longo smiled and waved to the audience saying, "We're glad to play for you. Feels like a living room." Sporting an old black derby and mud-spattered pants (the band had played the washed out Greenstock Festival in Bethel, NY the night before), Longo and fellow band members give off the appearance of wandering minstrels - creating an almost surrealistic look against the river.
In addition to being the Sleepy Hollow-based band's primary writer and singer, Longo plays an old tuned down Fender acoustic guitar, thereby eliminating the need for a bass player. And what a variety of sounds and dynamics this band provides with Tink Lloyd's accordion, cello and flute; Sharkey McEwen's mandolin, vocals and various guitars, and Tony Zuzulo's drums and percussion.
Opening with a tribute to the casualties of rock and roll entitled "Silent Revolution", Longo's clear baritone rang out augmented by McEwen's finely-placed harmonies and guitar work. "Baby Jane" followed as Lloyd's drone cello perfectly accentuated Longo's heartfelt lyrics.
"When I was a kid my dad did a lot of country music," Longo explained as the band launched into a new original, "Big 8 Wheeler." Drummer Zuzulo propelled the piece along solidly as Longo and McEwen's high/low harmonies provided a perfect vocal balance. Longo and company managed to turn this tune into a sing-along for the thrilled, all-ages audience.
Of the things that I love about this original band is their strong presence and simple approach to songwriting and performance. The tunes' hooks are easily-remembered, and lyrically they are first rate, covering a wide range of topics. While their sound is totally unique, I hear such influences as the Beatles, The Who and even Hank Williams.
During a brief lull, Lloyd related the band's previous night's experience amidst the rain and mud at Greenstock - raising laughs from the audience.
One of my personal favorites, 'Never Fit' followed. A simple, melodic and very Dylanesque piece, Longo explains, 'We've all been there.'
The lyrics say it all. 'We never fit in anywhere/I don't care, because here is where I always wanna be.'
Closing the show with the Longo-penned tune, 'Alice in Space.' Longo stated, 'Hey, this is for the child in all of us.' A feel-good piece where drummer Zuzulo provides a steady punch to McEwen's dynamic guitaring. A true technician, McEwen has a unique ability to provide each song with a feel and approach different than the last song.
The applause continued long after the conclusion of the band's set, as will, I suspect, the career of this extraordinary band.
Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams is currently promoting its debut CD, 'A Good thief Tips His Hat' containing many of the tunes performed at this show.
For more information, contact them at www.slambovia.com
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"Lively songs that are imbued with mystical stirrings."
New York Times
"This band is a wonderful surprise - great songs and a whole lotta heart."
Meg Griffin
WFUV/Sirius Radio
"I have rarely seen new groups crash upon the scene with as much impact as this group has. This here record is one big winner in my book."
George Fletcher
Rhythm & News Magazine
"Joziah is an awesome songwriter."
Garth Hudson
The Band
"Like Colorado's Sixteen Horsepower, The Circus reaches back for elements of early American music and makes it rock."
Elisa Flynn
Fairfield County Weekly
"Gandalf Murphy and the SCOD is really something special. This is a band that has all the components necessary to be successful in music - (all that presentation stuff, image, etc.) with the most important ingredient nailed solid... sincere, fresh, accomplished, and memorable music."
EarBuzz.com
"This band is a knockout... they are as fascinating to watch as they are to hear."
Roger Straub
The Trumpeter
"One of the most charismatic talents to emerge from New York's creative community."
Guitar Magazine
"They're not just a band. That's something like saying the Bible is just a book."
Terri Lagerstedt
Westchester County Weekly
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