Performance Reviews

"With a voice reminiscent of Don McLean, McKnight traverses from old-time Appalachian tunes to contemporary folk and blues, all backed up by his dead-on guitar playing" - The Boston Globe

"The skillful songwriter's interest in history is revealed in songs such as the Civil War ballad "The Road to Appomattox" and the soldier's elegy "Wind Whispers Your Name."...he avoids stridency by crafting vignettes told from the point of view of those in pain and keeps dourness at bay ... He also works in true folkie tradition, updating lyrics to classic material such as "Worried Man Blues" or reworking Robert Johnson's "Crossroads" to place himself mano-a-devil." - The Washington Post

"Inventiveness and imagination are always at work in Andrew’s story songs. So is his passion for nature, his knowledge of history and that impish, energetic wit. One of the finest modern folk guitarists around..." - Uncle Calvin's Coffeehouse, Dallas TX

"Andrew's performance on November 11th was one of a kind. Full of great positive energy, Andrew took the stage and immediately had the crowd riveted with his acappella intro to "How High the Mountain"...." - Barn Concerts, Gilroy CA

"this brilliant guitar player brought those (Blue Ridge) mountains with him...Relating story after story and song after song, often combining his interest in geography, history and a keen eye for the human spirit, Andrew presented a night overflowing with fantastic original material which could only be rated with Blue Ribbons, 5-Stars and a couple of thumbs up." - Tidewater Friends of Folk Music, Norfolk VA

"Those who attended were charmed by his ability to mix history, traditional themes, and environmental concerns in an evocative, rootsy musical blend." - Charlotte Folk Society

"As a singer and songwriter, McKnight is a marvel, capturing the essence - the very heart and soul of the past and present in his insightful observations about places and the people who live there. An environmental engineer and avid historian of rural life, he brings a deep truth to his words and music that resonates with an irresistible charm as he shares his thoughts for us to ponder with him. His voice itself is one that you can literally listen to for hours, savoring its mellow sound like a fine mountain wine." - The Times-Standard, Arcata CA

"blends wry and romantic stories with keen tuneful observations in a delicious mix of folk, blues and bluegrass... a man not to be missed!"- The National Theatre, Washington DC

"Andrew McKnight is a bundle of energy. He revels in Appalachian history and sings songs encouraging preservation of this great nation of ours. He's one of the good ones."- Athens News, Athens OH