• "Once or twice a year I come across a CD from
new artists that simply blows me away. Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain have done it
with their debut self-titled effort. Backed by an extremely talented group of
young players, Carrie, who has been gifted with a voice that produces a rich and
powerful vocal performance, and Hard Rain have a very bright future. This is one
of those CDs I'll have to replace because I've played it so many times at home,
in my car and at the office." (C.J. Snow – Country / Bluegrass Buyer – Borders
Group, Inc.)
• Months before the album’s release date, Hassler is already receiving accolades
– Terry Herd of the Bluegrass Radio Network says of the rising star, “Without
question, Carrie Hassler is the most promising new female vocalist in bluegrass.
The future is waiting for her to take it wherever she chooses.”
• “Carrie Hassler brings a new energy and freshness to Bluegrass that I haven’t
heard in years” - (Kyle Cantrell – XM Radio)
• Gracie Muldoon of
WorldWideBluegrass.com says, “Carrie Hassler - the newest
'grassy girl you're gonna fall in love with - with vocals so pleasing to the
ear, she follows in the footsteps of the great Women of Bluegrass, Dale Ann,
Claire, Emmy, Alison!! What a treat just to sit and listen! Seven Miles From
Wichita sparkles!”
• “The innovative arrangement of this song tells you from the first note that
you’re in for something new and, believe me what follows is innovative and
highly pleasing. This lady knows how to deliver a song and her God-given vocal
prowess places her in an elite group of singers.” (Wayne Bledsoe, KUMR)
• Michael L. Sexton, Music Director for WCOK Radio in Sparta, NC had high
compliments stating, “I received an advance copy of your CD this week and it is
phenomenal. I have to say it’s one of the best bluegrass albums I have listened
to in a long time. Carrie has a beautiful pure voice, one definitely cut out for
that genre of music! Keep up the super work.”
• “Just got the new CD and must say I was very impressed! Great vocals, great
instrumentation, GREAT EVERYTHING!” said Tim Carper, Bluegrass Music PD,
Go-Radio
• The Ledger, Lakeland, Florida chose the album as a single their readers should
definitely request from their favorite radio station……. “Hassler has a great
sound. She’s going places ~ and not just Wichita.”
• “I like it a lot” ~Cindy Baucom – Knee Deep In Bluegrass
• “Carrie and her group SMOKE! Combine their exciting sound with Monroe’s high
drama and you’ve got absolutely breathtaking bluegrass. Space age. Jet
propelled. Carrie and hard Rain is the most exciting group I’ve heard in a long
time.” ~ Joe Wills, WBZC Burlington County Bluegrass
• “If someone asked me for a short list of new bluegrass vocalists to add to
their collection Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain would be on it. The Lady can sure
sing.” ~ Steven Stone, Vintage Guitar Magazine (from the upcoming album review
in the January 2007 issue)
• “Hassler offers something of a hybrid between bluegrass and country. Some
critics have referred to this mix as contemporary bluegrass, a style that draws
from bluegrass but blunts its more rustic edge, making it much more radio
friendly. Carrie Hassler and Hard Rain is an honest effort, well played and well
sung.”
AllMusic.com
• “It is sincerely one of the best recordings we have had come through this
year. I don’t think there is a song on there I wouldn’t play,” said Steve
Leatherwood, WGWG, WSGE Radio DJ and also promoter of the Live at Leatherwoods
Concert Series
• Bob Waaland of WLFC in Findlay, Ohio was certainly pleased with the new album,
saying, “This is one great talent. A terrific first CD!
• WOW!! Where has she been hiding? I’m glad I took my heart medication (joke)
before playing this CD. This project starts out at 1k mph. and doesn’t stop
until the CD is done. This project has everything you could ever want in a first
class production: beautiful singing, flawless instrumentals, and superb song
selection. The pulsating sound of Josh Miller’s banjo, along with the McKinnon
brothers and Josh Swift’s Dobro, keeps driving this project onward and faster.
This project contains different types of music for everyone. I found myself
mesmerized the entire time I was listening to this CD. Carrie brings you into
her special place and keeps you there the entire time this CD is playing. This
CD really got my request line in overdrive. I played the entire CD. As soon as
the first song started, my phone was ringing off the wall. All songs were
requested to be played again. This CD will be my constant companion for many
weeks to come.”~ Al Shusterman/KCBL Backroads Bluegrass
