Press Quotes
“There are Gypsy-jazz, bluegrass, Celtic, chamber-folk, jazz, rock, and even Indian influences, all distilled through a gifted group that has toured extensively on the jam-band circuit, but who at its best sounds unlike anyone else in that genre…this eclectic quartet has harvested a bountiful feast of new string-band music.”
- Greg Cahill, Strings Magazine, (National), Published Oct. 2009
“…the four performers are drawn equally to backwoods fiddle tunes, the avant-garde acoustic music pioneered by mandolinist David Grisman, storytelling singer-songwriters, and the swinging jazz of Django Reinhardt. At times, however, there seems to be a rock band lurking just underneath the surface…”
- Alexander Varty, The Georgia Straight (Vancouver, BC), Published July 30, 2009
“Listening to the mad Gypsy sounds of Taarka’s Seed Gathering for a Winter Garden is like a temporary escape from the mundane modern world into an exotic caravan traveling a fantastic world. The instrumentals range from the frenetic bluegrass stylings of the opening track, “Artic Meltdown,” to the insistent, intricate interplay of guitar and violin on “A Whole New You.” The vocal tracks are all smoky, seductive nuggets of Gypsy folk pop with dark undercurrents, similar to a less melodramatic DeVotchKa. There’s not a bad track on the album, and the band wisely wraps with “Vestal Flame,” easily the best of the batch. Blending Old World exoticism with thoroughly American folk and just a hint of a modern edge, Taarka conjures up a rich, detailed and delightful landscape.”
Cory Casciato, Westword (Denver, CO), Published April 15, 2009
“Seed Gathering” is full of forceful newgrass and folk that will catch the ear of any fan of solid musicianship.”
Lori Heuston, Mail Tribune (Medford, OR), Published March 27, 2009
“…jaunty and precise, yet beguilingly enigmatic….The Taarka two are casually virtuosic players, more than holding their own alongside nationally known guests such as violinists Darol Anger and Casey Driessen…As a bonus, the pair sing, too, with Enion sweetening David’s effectively gruff vocals…it’s a mighty fine Soundtrack.”
- Michael Roberts, Westword (Denver, CO), Published Feb. 14, 2008 from Taarka: The Martian Picture Soundtrack feature. Review of The Martian Picture Soundtrack (2008)
“Enion Pelta-Tiller (violins, vocals) and David Tiller (guitars, mandolin, vocals), both members of ThaMuseMeant, follow a slippery, seductive muse here, dipping into Django Reinhardt’s Hot Club of France, acoustic music pioneers Oregon, ’70s folk-rock and more. In their capable hands, strings move freely about the sonic spectrum, yet always in an inviting, fragrant way…The Martian Picture Soundtrack is sustenance that stays with you long after you’ve pushed away from the table.”
- Dennis Cook, Jambase.com, Published Jan. 22, 2008. Review of The Martian Picture Soundtrack (2008)
“Fans of David Grisman or early Bela Fleck should love this second release from Taarka… This CD covers all bases for the jazzgrass, folk, or new acoustic fan, and should appeal to all those who appreciate joyful musical diversity, sweet melodies, and solid musicianship.”
- Susan J. Weiland, Jambase.com, Published Apr. 6, 2004, from Taarka: Even Odd Bird feature, Review of Even Odd Bird (2004)
“Tiller and Pelta compliment each other as well, each providing nice backgrounds to the other’s solos. Pelta is perhaps the crown jewel of Taarka, as her playing is virtuosity in action. She can play absolutely haunting melodies, but also can rain pure bliss on audiences. Tiller uses his mandolin more as a classical instrument than a bluegrass one . While he can get down home at times, it seems Tiller approaches his instrument more as an entity with a mind of its own, and thus he does not fall prey to too many influences other than his own unique vision. Tiller’s mandolin style is one of the most original I’ve heard.”
- Matt Zeigler, Flagstaff Live (Flagstaff, AZ), Published Oct. 21, 2002, from Taarka Grooves: Take a trip through world music feature article. Review of Taarka Live
