In addition to my mom, the following people have found these kind things to say about my music...

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"A NEW CD"

"Several of the folksy, poetic (and gently woodsy) tracks from Alexis Harte's "Tumbling" have already been receiving spins on KFOG's Sunday morning standby, Acoustic Sunrise." And with good reason. With influences ranging from Celtic to the Caribbean to the Appalachians, the Bay Area-based guitarist's songwriter continues to mature and develop both lyrically and rhythmically on his third release, and he blends his superior, well-versed musicianship with a welcomely upbeat and idealistic voice that is textured, engaging and thought-provoking, but never heavy-handed." 

– Chris Patrick Morgan

ACOUSTIC GUITAR "EDITORS' CHOICE" - DECEMBER 2003

"Northern California singer-songwriter Alexis Harte could pass as a Scottish or English expatriate on this second self-produced CD, as he channels bits of Donovan ("Sweet Tooth"), Nick Drake ("Lap Dragons") and Al Stewart ("Puddle of Stars") along with a little gratuitous Tom Waits vocal process. But his knack for catchy melodies, fresh lyrics, and deftly textured arrangements (integrating balafon, accordion, violin, and reeds into the mix), as well as crisp acoustic fingerpicking and taut soloing, confirm the original folk-rock sensibility he's forged since trading his Marshall amp head for an early 60s sunburst Gibson acoustic guitar. A former ecologist in Brazil, Harte tempers his folkie romanticism with worldly rhythms and prismatic poetry for a bracing effect overall."                          

-- Derk Richardson
   (PDF version)                                                                               

Junebug chosen as Top 12 Independent Release for 2001

"San Francisco songwriter and ecologist Alexis Harte has stepped out of the studio musician and tour sideman shadows and produced a solo record of impressively simple, clean, cosmopolitan folk. Harte's efficiency with words and plainspoken imagery call to mind Richard Buckner; his warm, woody voice and organic melodies are akin to Dave Matthews; and his sophisticated acoustic guitar playing and arrangement are an amalgam of everyone from Bob Mould to Bill Frisell. That, said, Harte's work most certainly stands on its own merits. With Junebug, he hits and airy, uncomplicated, and innocent resonance.

The arrangements on Junebug draw from Latin American, flamenco, and traditional folk influence, and the melodies slip and cast about above the spare acoustic instrumentation with clarity and ease. Harte's lyrics are kitchen-table-simple and stay rooted in the staples of nature, love, reflection without sounding self-indulgent or out of touch with reality. Junebug glides along between inconsolable melancholy and wide eyed happiness and settles into a cool, smiling personal space."

-- Clay Steakley, 06/2001 issue 

From the original artwork on the sleeve to the polished vocals, song construction, and excellent musicianship, this album is first class the whole way. The energy is kept throughout without ever becoming overbearing, coming out with brilliant lyric after brilliant lyric. It is definitely evident that Alexis Harte took the time to perfect the songs and craft them properly before going into the recording studio.

[...]

This album epitomizes everything that is good about music, removed from the insincere and mediocre musicianship that dots the musical landscape. These songs work as a cohesive whole to drive the album forward and get across his message. The interesting use of flute, saxophone and accordion add dimension and depth to the already interesting tonal qualities of the arrangements. These instruments add a sophisticated quality to the work that is sorely lacking in larger mainstream music. Alexis Harte's lyrics and impeccable attention to detail make this not only a catchy album, but sophisticated and thought provoking.

-- Mark Kramer, 01/2004 issue
   PDF Version

Hear Discoveries- Emerging Artists You Need to Hear

"Alexis Harte's burnished, burly voice is an inspiration on Sunlight Loping. His temperate rock motifs lure us in, but the Berkeley native has much more in store, as metaphor and clever word play give listeners lyrics worth turning over in the mind. Check out Sweet Tooth with its melodic nod to Mississippi John Hurt's Candy Man. There are intriguing layers to every song here, and Harte's finger- picking dexterity clears a splendid path through this sonic forest."

-- Emerging Artists You Need to Hear
   (In-store listening station)
   Hear Music
   Berkeley, CA 

"Harte of a songcrafter. Alexis Harte's forward-thinking acoustic soundscapes are propelled by his satisfying voice and densely lasting lyrics. He inhabits his songs like an emotive protagonist left, wondering, wandering , searching for answers that lie within his words. He's got the voice, the music, the words, and the passion to create startling music of depth that changes colors from note to note."

-- In-store poster
   Hear Music
   Berkeley, CA 

"ALEXIS HARTE, Sunlight Loping Matt Boudreau has been contributing to Tape Op and our conference for a few years but I hadn't heard any of his work as a producer or engineer. He fills those roles on this CD and does them well. The sounds of this disc is right on for the Nick Drake-ish vocal and varied backing tracks. Instruments sound full and natural, with plenty of ambience and breathing room without getting too roomy.

I'm enjoying this disc! "

-- Larry Crane
   Editor in Chief, Tape Op Magazine July/August 2003
   (PDF version)

"The songs are great, the band excellent, which means fantastic music for your mind as well as your feet. The Alexis Harte Band is something to behold."

-- Carey Williams, Manager for Taj Mahal

"Each song is a well-crafted journey, traveling on wistful, yet sultry, melodies, leaving poetry in its wake. Sunlight Loping is a warm, organic offering from an artist that is truly hard to peg, though his subtle and sophisticated blend of styles is engaging for sure."

-- Miles of Music online music store

"You may already know Alexis Harte's music, having heard "Yellow Shoes" on KFOG's Acoustic Sunrise. Well, this nice young man is back with an album that is his best to date. It's called Tumbling . . . but more on that in a second.

Harte was raised in Berkeley, where music was always filling the halls of his home. Downstairs, his mom enjoyed her Carole King and classical records, while the upstairs boomed with the rock, soul and funk preferences of his older brother. In the attic, Alexis found a handmade guitar, an amp, and determination. I recently learned Harte has his masters in Ecology and Environmental Studies -- who knew this background would play out so nicely in World Class Rock!?!

From the first track, "Canary" -- which has a gritty feel and a bit of an island cha-cha thing going on -- to the simple, life-loving song "Junebug", Alexis' voice is layered with emotion, similar to that of Nick Drake or Cat Stevens. The only difference is that Alexis Harte seems to be, well, happier. "Red Balloon", possibly my favorite song on the album, has an upbeat rhythm with layered guitar work. It is, dare I say, kind of jam-bandy. And then "Young Arrow" comes along, where Harte nails the rootsy/Americana sound. If you like poetic storytelling, rich vocals, thoughtful lyrics and layered swirly melodies, you will totally dig Tumbling. The CD officially comes out on April 13th. Make it a point to find it."

Renee Richardson
KFOG
San Francisco, CA

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Featured on the Bay Area's KFOG as "up and coming World Class Rock". Feature includes a profile on the KFOG website under the "Local Scene" heading plus regular airplay and announcement of upcoming local shows.

A previously unreleased, full-band version of the song Yellow Shoes was featured in July on National Public Radio's All Songs Considered, an online music program.

KFOG, San Francisco / KALW, San Francisco / KWMR West Marin, CA / KALX Berkeley, CA / KPFA Berkeley, CA / KZYX Mendocino, CA / KALX Berkeley, CA / KSUN Sonoma State University Radio / KDUR AAA Durango, CO / WCHG Hot Springs, VA, WUMB Boston, MA KVRM Eugene, OR / KVLR 106.3fm Twisp, WA / WUIS 91.9 - University of Illinois at Springfield, Springfield IL

La Otra Musica, Radio 105 Cadiz, Spain "The Moodswing Lounge / Radio Milo 103.1 FM Mol, Belgium "Roots Revival" Radio ATL 105.9 MHz Bree, Belgium.

 "We booked Alexis Harte for the main stage. Alexis and his band filled the performance segment perfectly. They presented high quality musicianship and their eclectic original music was enjoyed by all. Highly recommended!"

Jimmy Goings
Co-Producer and Talent Booker
Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival, Sept. 2003
Santa Clara, CA

"I found Alexis' music to be absolutely delightful - catchy, appealing tunes and thoughtful, evocative lyrics, reminiscent of Taj Mahal one minute, Randy Newman the next. His tunes varied from sweet and wistful to rollocking and bluesy; all were performed masterfully and with great stage presence by the group.

The festival audience agreed - Alexis drew and held a large crowd, and was very enthusiastically received."

Daniel Solnit
Eco-Stage Manager
25th Annual Health & Harmony Festival, Santa Rosa, CA

"The thing I liked most about the group is that their music is really cutting edge and at the same time eminently listenable. They're all real musicians and that means a lot - there's a lot musical awareness in the group.

Everybody really enjoyed it and I look forward to having them back again."

Joey Lent
Booker, Strings Acoustic Showcase, Emeryville, CA

"The band was great to work with and the students loved their sound so much they immediately asked us when we were bringing them back!"

Mo Phillips
Associate Director of Student Development
Sonoma State University, Sonoma, CA