John Train wrote the following review, published in the July 2006 issue of Pennsylvania Musician Magazine.
It ain't often you hear old-time music played so true to tradition without some bizarre affectation worked in to give it "flav-a". The duo of Deb Kauffmann and Henry Koretzky stick to mostly traditional favorites, with several modern artists or originals thrown in, on this self-titled 15 song release. Featuring strictly mandolin and guitar arrangements, this CD hits the occasional electrifying moment but is completely acoustic.
Team Rootbound does not slouch when it comes to covering the vast array of familiar styles falling under the umbrella of old-time - and they play with commitment, highlighting various tunes with both high and lonesome harmonies. Koretzky is a vocally natural Warren Zevon clone (a cover of Zevon's "Fistful of Rain" comes as no surprise), and Kauffmann would fit on any old Ole' Opry stage that the Carter Family has graced. Rootbound can be almost sugary, such as the war-lamentation "Thousands of Ladies are Crying" or simply soul stirring as with "Dark End of the Street". If there is an absolute consistency to this CD it is the emotional and musical honesty in the delivery of each individual song.
If you're already hooked on traditional music, this release is a natural addition to your collection. If you're in the dark as to the genre, this is a fine and far-ranging sampler worthy of clueing you in to a spectrum of material that is timeless in its essential nature. - reviewed by John Train of The Pennsylvania Musician
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