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Audio interview about the "Portraits" project on the Merced Sun Star's "Off The 99" with Jamie Oppenheim


Audio interview about the "Portraits" project on Capitol Public Radio's "Insight" with Jefferey Callison


"...as many songs as flavors at Baskin Robbins."


-Nick Miller, Sacramento News & Review


"...there’s plenty going on in the Central Valley independent music community."


-East Bay Express


"Picture Perfect"


-Nathan Quevedo, D Magazine


"At large, the compilation is raw, sentimental, and so intimate that throughout the full listen I kept asking myself: “did I just steal this out of someone’s personal home recordings?”


-Nicole L Browner, The Bay Bridged


"There isn't much space between the frequency and urgency in today's music onslaught and sometimes it's hard to put a finger on the scene that assembles around you, but in this particular instance, Portraits gives it a pretty good shot. A myriad of artists come together with a variance of songs supported with superb photography (the secret treasure within this release) and ends up delivering a strong scene solidifier that loosely connects itself to the long running Off the Air live music series that takes place in Central Valley of California (Specifically Modesto for you purists). Most compilations are easily forgotten, but on special occasions one comes along that serves as a perfect keeper, like an old photo of friends hanging out in better times. This is one of those snapshots."


-M. Cloward, Devil in the Woods 



"Mr. Greg Edwards, who is a longtime champion and advocate of the Modesto music scene and is the host of the "Off the Air" music series, has released an intriguing 2 disc set of unreleased material from songwriters that have been featured in his showcases over the years. I've personally admired this fantastic man who is one of those rare humans that does something for the absolute joy of it.  Greg has earned the well deserved reputation for facilitating fantastic live music shows that joins homegrown local talent along with nationally respected touring acts. He has consistently provided a thoughtful space that respects the performer and concert goer. 

The music fans in the Central Valley have depended on and trusted "Off the Air" to introduce them to new voices and Edwards has successfully done that once again by curating the tasteful and introspective "Portraits" compilation that captures a diverse collection of talented songwriters at some of their most vulnerable and intimate recorded moments. The two disc set is a wonderful testament to the dedication Greg has put in over the last 5 years and the friendships that have formed as a result of those past collaborations (32 songwriters participated on the project!). Often times my biggest gripe with compilations is the lack of fluidity, but with "Portraits" the common strand is truly the love and appreciation for crafting a personal and meaningful song and the respect for the body of work Greg Edwards has put in on behalf of the artists. It's a fine listen and perfect for a late Spring, early Summer drive through the valley as you weave your way to one of Greg's shows."


-Michael Leahy, Crossbill Records / Cool As Folk