"Hennebach's ability to convey an authentic sense of tradition with elegant
simplicity and tonal grace carries the true sense of the songs and carols over
every barrier. ["Comfort and Joy"] is an inevitable collector's treasure."
Gary Alexander -- Woodstock Times, Dec 10, 1998
"More Christmas Cheer. A newly released Christmas CD from the Oberlin grad/vocalist Margo Hennebach and instrumentalist Mark Saunders, Comfort
and Joy (1-800-Prime CD), wonderfully succeeds in overcoming any
intergenerational issues that often strike holiday efforts from
contemporary artists: Aggressive re-arrangements of favorite carols may
greatly please fans eager to escape any hint of schmaltz, but unfamiliar
takes on traditional tunes can easily send Grandma fleeing. Not so here;
Comfort and Joy provides a most pleasant comfort level for all ages. The
musicianship, production quality and arrangements from this New
England-based duo are top-notch and the harmonies, guitar, violin and
piano elements are moving. The crystal-clear renditions bring to mind a
spirited caroling concert at a candle-lit country church, while at the
same time keeping up with this generation's affinity for
state-of-the-art quality. Among the pieces are "God Rest You Merry," "We
Three Kings," "Joy To the World," and "I Saw Three Ships." An
instrumental Irish medley is included along with a wonderful Czech carol
called "Rocking" and two original compositions from Hennebach and
Saunders that feel traditional. A Hennebach watercolor graces the cover,
and the music inside combines the best of modern production values with
old-time tradition."
James E. Guyette -- WRUW-FM/The Cleveland Free Times
"On a more seasonal note, we mentioned a couple of weeks ago that
singer/pianist Margo Hennebach would be releasing a Christmas disc with her
husband and guitarist Mark Saunders. That CD, Comfort and Joy, was released
independently last week, and it's one of the most interesting holiday discs
I've heard. Digitally recorded at Hennebach and Saunders' Bloomfield home,
these songs are big-sounding gems, with two originals accompanying old
standards ranging from English to classical and Czechoslovakian tunes."
"The Hennebach/Saunders combination incorporates a distinct rock edge to these
folk-oriented songs, giving them an extra sparkle. The two trade vocals and
sing harmonies on an exquisite guitar-based version of John Henry Hopkins' "We
Three Kings," which includes violin by Katie Lansdale. The effect is both
calming and inspirational. For information on Hennebach/Saunders, write to
Fireflies & Windows Music, PO Box 7511, Bloomfield, CT 06002 [or call 1-800
Prime CD]."
Michael Marciano, Hartford Advocate, Dec 17, 1998
