
The multi-genre repertoire highlights the best of traditional and contemporary acoustic music, with all five band members again contributing new material — eight of the album's 14 numbers are certifiably fresh originals.
“Vintage & Unique has everything one could ask for in a great bluegrass recording; Exciting new originals, a couple of great traditional numbers, razor sharp picking, and strong, distinctive singing. And of course any opportunity to hear the best bluegrass mandolin player in the business is just icing on the cake.” — Scott Tichenor, Mandolin Cafe
“Clarity, energy, good ensemble work, classy originals and an adventurous approach to Folk and Bluegrass standards… bluegrass and acoustic music fans take note of a fresh breeze from the north.” — Kerry Dexter, Folkwax
“Aces in writing, instrumental and vocal departments… a true collaborative effort from this West Coast amalgamation of Canadian and American bluegrass musicians, and worthy of repeated listenings and then some.” — Peter North, The Edmonton Journal
“The instrumentals on this CD are flawless and innovative whether the tune being played is a traditional or an original. Bash Bish Falls, written by the band's fiddle player Gregory Spatz shows off the lightning speed and laser precision The Jaybirds are capable of. — Victory Review
“Any argument about John Reischman & the Jaybirds being a leading bluegrass band can be settled by listening to their exceptional third album, The Road West.” — Billboard
“… a relentlessly infectious, impeccably played outing. What ultimately stands out on The Road West is the blue-ribbon quality of the musicianship.” — No Depression
“Top-notch musicians and singers deliver an unusual repertoire of originals, bluegrass classics, and old-time music.” — Top CDs of 2003, Acoustic Guitar Magazine, February 2004
“One of the finest Bluegrass projects of this year… You will play this one over and over” — Bluegrass Breakdown, June 2004
“Together they produce music that is seamlessly excellent…” — Sing Out, Fall 2004
“…With plenty of variety, a distinct style, an excellent selection of songs, and impeccable musicianship, this album should turn out to be one of the most sophisticated bluegrass releases of the year” — Dirty Linen
“…Running through each cut on this CD is an extraordinarily high level of selective musical artistry that creates a deceptive simplicity. I don't doubt that each of these folks is a monster talent fully capable of executing dazzlingly complex music, but on this project they are laser-focused on selecting the right number of notes to move the music forward… Whether it's a bluegrass or old time tune, the Jaybirds are exercising tremendous restraint individually and collectively to produce elegant music as a band.” — Flatpicking Guitar Magazine
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