Bill McQuaid Quotes

"Yes, acoustic country-blues still lives in Cambridge. The city used to be a hotbed of the music—and the tradition continues with McQuaid, an accomplished local singer and picker who not only knows who Blind Lemon Jefferson is, but can play that music with the brilliance it deserves. McQuaid is a true joy"
Steve Morse, Boston Globe

"The debut CD from local lad Bill McQuaid is exquisite. All country-blues fans need to check this out immediately. Played and sung with respect to the past and devotion to the genre. Each time I air a cut on Highway 61 Revisited, the phones light up and the emails start rolling in. The old Masters must be grinnin' from ear to ear right about now!"
Barnes Newberry, Host "Highway 61 Revisited," WUMB

"Bill McQuaid is a master of the country blues; his ability to call upon the spirits of the early masters, Son House, Blind Lemon Jefferson, and Tommy Johnson, a testament to his own skill, and a loving tribute to the legacy of the music of those who first created it. For fans of the Southern troubadours, Bill McQuaid's 'Passing It On' is a must-have."
Brendan Hogan, Host/Producer of "Blues On WGBH"

Piedmont blues and rags live in pickers like Bill McQuaid, who manages to combine faithful renditions of historical gems with a modern and energetic approach. Love Changing Blues captures this combination in the nicely detailed soundscape we’ve come to expect from a Ducky Carlisle/Michael Dinallo production, with Michael’s electric guitar providing an occasional contemporary element that never intrudes on the mood. Bill’s appreciation for Dave Van Ronk shows here, but he retains an individual approach to the venerated material of Blind Willie McTell, Blind Blake and Mississippi John Hurt, in both solo performances and nicely articulated ensembles.
Microwave Dave, WLRH/WJAB Huntsville, AL

"...propulsive, beautifully crafted acoustic blues..."
Daniel Gewertz, Boston Herald

"It takes a rare breed of musician to sing and play Delta and Country Blues with authenticity. What's needed is deep respect for the idiom, sweat over the details, love, work, and an over-arching understanding of the indefinable. Bill McQuaid is such a musician, and these recordings are ample proof. Plus, he chose great material...pass it on!"
Geoff Bartley

"Bill McQuaid turns in an authentic reading of some Country Blues classics on his recording, Passing It On. It is rare to find somebody who has mastered the nuances of the original versions and can deliver them with the full force that does them justice. Bill's combination of skilled guitar work and a pleasing vocal delivery, set him apart from many players that possess just one of those skills. The emotional context of the Blues shines through on this production. The disc includes fine accompaniment from respected local musicians, Jim Fitting and Steve Sadler, and gives the Boston Blues community another reason to be proud of its artists."
Greg Sarni, WBRS True Blues

"From sweet to scary to down & dirty growly, Bill McQuaid takes on the country blues with gutsy performances on every cut of this record. His straight ahead guitar work is right on the money. Now add producer Frank Coakley's swinging arrangements of harmonica, bass, dobro, mandolin, 12-string guitar and National steel and you are transported to a 21st century juke joint that you can visit with the flick of a switch. Keep this CD in your car player and buzz down the highway. And consider this. Youngish Bill McQuaid is gonna get older and more leathery! Watch out Keb Mo. Watch out Guy Davis."
David Fishken