Album Notes

Holy Water and Whiskey continues to delight audiences and listeners in this, their third and award winning CD. They bring clear lead vocals, tasteful instrumental accompaniment, beautifully blended harmonies and a diverse selection of songs and musical styles. “Miners, Outlaws and Other Relatives” was nominated for five 2011 New Mexico Awards: Best Vocal (“Mary Had a Baby”), Best Production, Best Cover Song (Sixteen Tons”), Best Gospel Song (“Sam Parras”) and Best Western Song (Fancy Red Boots”). The CD was awardd first place for best vocal and best western song. The music is new and yet somehow familiar at the same time, but always worth listening to. The original songs (Sam Parras, I am a Miner, Fancy Red Boots and Upper Big Branch) tell very human stories and honor some of our shared human experiences. Spiritual themes also form a common thread in this music and those themes are reinforced by the beautiful harmonies in the songs. Here are some recent responses to their music at live performances:

“Holy Water and Whiskey is the gentlest folk group I have ever heard, during my 50 years in the music business. Their harmony epitomizes the essence of spirituality-in-singing. The effect of their music is immensely mesmerizing and truly healing. For me, healing through music is more than a concept. Having worked as a music therapist in psychiatric hospitals I have observed dramatic healing effects music can have on people. The music of Holy Water and Whiskey - the sound and blend of their voices, their instruments and their personalities - has a softness and healing quality which has a profound effect on the listener. The elegance and grace of their music and their genuine approach to communicating it to their audience is definitely something the world is crying out for.”

"Holy Water and Whiskey provided us a tangy mix of bluegrass, gospel and folk music -- they made familiar tunes uniquely their own. Their clear, rich and intricately woven harmonies inspired us all as the voices played the music and the instruments sang.”

“…It's like hearing what you see when birds change formation in mid flight; seamless. These folks are the "real deal" for whom music is as natural as breathing. It was a great pleasure to have them play, and we feel really lucky to look forward to their return this season.“

“…Holy Water and Whiskey” was a pure treat for those in attendance. The harmony, both a cappella and with instruments is crisp and clear, a delight to the listeners ear! Maggie’s powerful voice, Bruce’s stories and Scott and his tales seem to become one when the music begins. I guess the operative word for “Holy Water and Whiskey” would be “WOW!”

“…Three well trained, highly complimentary voices combined with outstanding instrumental talent will delight any audience. Reminiscent of American folk combined with a dose of Appalachian country, gospel, old English street songs and just a hint of old Bostonian sailing music, this band's style will have you tapping your feet no later than 10 seconds into their opening number. “