Album Notes

BRTC music as been described as “Historic preservation at its finest” (Jeff Echert, The Pacific Northwest Inlander) and this cd strives to be no exception. From Betty Jane to the almost forgotten saying from the title track, many of these songs leave people asking “Where did that come from?” True to form this 5th cd will leave you with something to think about but the journey might also find you dancing, or perhaps even laughing, somewhere along the way. Bill’s voice has been described as creaky - in a good way, earthy, and authentic, and Kathy’s has been described as haunting and spiritual by followers. This cd contains a good dose of both as it is Kathy’s recording debut as a lead singer and also a strong songwriter. In the words of the Pacific Northwest Inalnder “You’d be hard pressed to find many couples more devoted to creating music than Bill and Kathy Kostelec. In the folk music of their Blue Ribbon Tea Company, they tell stories that are impossible to dislike.”

CD REVIEWS:

Bands to Watch Issue:
Bill and Kathy Kostelec bring together a dynamic collection of 14 tracks. This is their fifth album and the first to feature Kathy, a Kentucky native, in the vocal lead with some of her original songs. While her voice is soft, Kathy manages to pull off significant emotion over the top of plucked guitars. The sound is traditional American folk, but doesn’t fall into the happy honky-tonk vein most ascribe to the genre. The Kostelecs keep things diverse with a variety of tracks ranging from delicate and chilling to blues and more upbeat numbers. The sincerity the two pour into each track is evident and makes this an unconventional, yet refreshing listen. (May 2011) Tiffany Harms, The Pacific Northwest Inlander http://www.inlander.com/spokane/article-16565-up-for-review.html

The Blue Ribbon Tea Company (Bill and Kathy Kostelec) have released several cd's over the past few years and have recently released their new work "The Devil Is Beating His Wife." I have already aired material from this cd on Soundspace here at KPBX, Spokane Public Radio. Now as in the past, I continue to be impressed with the integrity of the music they write and perform. In a world of many "pyrite" performers, writers, and bands; the Blue Ribbon Tea Company is a gold standard. Their lyrics have true, relevant meaning and reflect the life that Bill and Kathy Kostelec live. They do not follow trends; however, they do follow their hearts and create music that continues to be unique and socially relevant. They may be in a minority for doing so; nevertheless, that makes the folk music world (and probably the world at large) a better place because of what they do. I will continue to air their music on my show. (May 2011) Norvel Trosst Soundspace: Producer/Host, KPBX Spokane Public Radio

"The Blue Ribbon Tea Company is a welcomed flashback to the original American folk music movement. They paint visual portraits ranging from the beauty of nature to human despair ... hope, love, loss, anger and joy. Their music is honest and thought provoking ... The Blue Ribbon Tea Company is ... the real deal." (about The Devil is Beating His Wife, May 2011) Bob Rice, host of Crossroads on KYRS Thin Air Radio