PRESS AND CONCERT PROMOTERS SAY:

Chicory House Concerts Forty Fort, PA: 
“Four Shillings Short are the ultimate in coffeehouse entertainment. The variety of musical instrumentation really keeps me interested. Equal amounts of male and female energy keep the emotional content well-balanced. Song lyrics don't get hidden underneath too much accompaniment. Harmonies are sweet; instrumental solos spirited. And best of all, your demeanor belies a commitment to the ideal of rising up singing. The world could use a few more performers like Four Shillings Short." Chicory House Concerts Forty Fort, PA 

San Gregorio General Store, San Gregorio, CA: 
“They are not the Clancy Brothers or Jean Richie or Ravi Shankar but a combination of all three, laced with Irish (meaning dark) humor. The collection of instruments is museum-like and I’ve never seen the place so packed as it was last weekend.” 

Albuquerque Journal: 
“The wavering, mystical tones of the sitar hover behind the Celtic melodies like a sari-wrapped ghost hovering over the moors….the duo bring an experimental spirit to traditional music, mixing Irish, Indian, and American influences into a sound as multi-cultural as a U.N. meeting.” 

Dave Humphreys, past President of the North American Folk Alliance/Director, Two Way Street Coffee House in Downers Grove, IL" 
 “Four Shillings Short bring a fascinating mix of material, spirit and wit to the stage. They are visually interesting with their eclectic array of instruments. There is excitement, electricity and fun in their performance.” 

Jack Bohl, Portland Folklore Society, Portland OR: 
“On behalf of the Portland Folklore Society many thanks for the FANTASTIC show last Friday! I really enjoyed your set and everyone I talked to did as well. I love all kinds of music and was thrilled to hear the sitar pieces and Sanskrit singing. I always really like performers to do political music. I think it's one of the most powerful agents of change. And thanks for getting everyone on stage for the last song: that was a sweet way to end the evening. You and Atwater/Donelly made for a wonderful evening of music, it was one of my very favorite shows of all 7 years I've been involved. I'm impressed with your dedication to music and applaud your gypsy lifestyle.” 

Tim Hoke, President, Central Indiana Folk Music & Dulcimer Society: 
“I first heard Four Shillings Short a few years ago. Though based more or less out of the Bay Area, Four Shillings Short are truly itinerant musicians constantly on the move. Constantly on the move also applied to their live performance; bobbing, weaving, swaying, changing instruments mid-song. They were an energetic duo: Aodh Og O'Tuama on whistles, Renaissance winds, and percussion, and Christy Martin on hammered dulcimer, mandolin, and sitar. Both were strong singers, and had a personable stage presence that made the audience members feel like old friends. Recently, I got to see Four Shillings Short live once again. It was a small venue, standing room only. As before, they were dynamic, and mobile; both musicians moved in a sort of dance as they played.  They garnered a standing ovation from the small, crowded audience.” 

Wayne Ellis, Every Other Weekly, Bellingham WA: 
“This group captures the essence of what I enjoy about traditional folk musicians. These are excellent musicians that draw you in with great stories and jokes.  The music is icing on the cake. These are entertainers in every sense of the term.” 

Phil Shapiro, Bound for Glory, WVBR, Ithaca NY: 
“Four Shillings Short is an off-the-wall neo-Celtic duo from San Francisco….they stretch the boundaries of folk music in unexpected directions. Their music is a delight, their performance style unexpected and their instrumentation is a kick.” 

City Pages, Wausau WI: 
“A California duo you must see to believe. The arrangements of this husband-wife team are utterly delightful, filled with traditional instruments of both Celtic and Eastern Indian cultures and the familiar sound of American folk. Four Shillings Short is a band riddled with child’s play, yet rich in the wisdom of old-timers who know better than to take themselves too seriously. Their musical virtuosity makes old songs sound new and new songs sound like time-worn Celtic spells.”