Truckstop Souvenir: Press

" ... the wares peddled by ... Truckstop Souvenir are more lovingly crafted than the goods for sale at your average Gas-N-Go ... their voices and instruments—he plays guitars, she doubles on fiddle and guitar—intertwine with an ease that evokes both the showbiz polish of the Everly Brothers and the rustic charm of the Carter clan ... The result is a full-length that is charismatic and distinctive ..."

"The performance was outstanding and the musicianship was impeccable. Truckstop is truly an American Gem."

"This is a record for everybody who likes the traditional folk/country/hillbilly-music of Gillian Welch. The duo of Dennis James and Lauryn Shapter make marvelously beautiful music in all its simplicity, full of nerve and presence. They write strong tunes in a traditional style and they perform them as if it were all life or death ... "

"This is an amazing duo ... Both of them are incredibly gifted and accomplished musicians and song writers. ... the total project is extremely well done ... it's kind of bluesy, a little bit folky, a lot original mountain style country, and certainly unique combinations of togetherness and sharing. ... I've heard a lot of duos working today, writing, recording, performing, and this couple is certainly among the top, if not number one that I've heard recently. ... They are stunning. ... buy their CD."

"If you love more traditional country music, from the sounds of the outlaws to the duets of the past, this disc is perfect for you."

"The music of Truckstop Souvenir does not rely on any sort of trickery. Their music is primarily rooted in the sounds of acoustic guitars, violins, mandolins and seldom adding some guests. It is not difficult to draw comparisons with the more famous David Rawlings and Gillian Welch. They share a sound that lives in the balance between old southern country music and folk ballads, drenched in lazy and relaxed atmpsphere. Truckstop Souvenir have built their record with a huge amount of respect to their roots ..."

"Truckstop Souvenir doesn’t fit in with the current country scene. Rather, the husband and wife duo of Dennis James and Lauryn Shapter is a throwback to the genre’s roots, complete with fiddle, mandolin and gorgeous descant harmonies ... The band’s debut album, Leave Nothing Behind, explores a variety of sounds, from high-stepping bluegrass in “The Bootlegger’s Daughter” to poignant ballads such as “All-Night Franchise Diner.” ... Their stripped-down interpretation [of the Allman Brothers Band's "Ramblin' Man"] breathes new life into the song and is a fresh take on a country classic that will surely delight listeners ... “Mama’s Debt” is a haunting tale of teenage murder, and “Memorial Day” is a heartbreaking but perfect slice of Americana ...

" ... count the album "Leave Nothing Behind" amongst the better albums of 2006 ... very much in touch with the Everly's, Buddy & Julie Miller and even the better work of the duo Harris/Parsons ... both are from the better breed
of singer/songwriters ... "

"Their sparse country-folk tales of love, cheating, regret, and murder showcase Lauryn Shapter's songbird of a voice ... and husband Dennis James's easy going delivery ... Together James and Shapter provide an earthy sound even when there are moments when the music is heavenly."

"Old-time country with passion and genuine musical talent ... Dennis James and Lauryn Shapter ... share a passion for old-time country music ... We're talking Carter Family, the Louvins and early Everlys ... Many of these songs could have been resurrected from the mists of time ... pure rural storytelling at its best ..."

"Steeped in the old school of country that even hipsters enjoy, Truckstop Souvenir provides a big dose of twang in a convincing, endearing manner."

"... a vivid, soul-stirring journey ... Leave Nothing Behind is a smashing debut for Dennis James and Lauryn Shapter, a husband and wife duo that has a sound all its own. The two have written absolutely terrifc songs, all of which they perform with their spare but chillingly effective guitar and lonesome fiddle accompaniment."

"... Hank Williams looms large over this record. The songs take us into the heart of the country ... it's a sparse stripped down sound ... and you feel better for listening ... story telling at its very best ..."

"Leave Nothing Behind is one of my favorite albums of the year, because it doesn't sound like anything you've heard on the radio, not since they took the tubes out anyway. While I'm certainly no expert on the music of the depression era, their music is. Actually, they seem to draw on a number of influences, and they all add up to a really fine album. Buy this entire album, you won't regret it."

"'Leave Nothing Behind' will be going to air this week as it's in my best international releases for 2006. Has been in the player all week, love it!"

"When Truckstop Souvenir moved from Seattle this past fall, they picked a fitting destination ... their move to the heartland is in line with their commitment to what their MySpace site calls “the music of the American landscape.”

Truckstop Souvenir’s acoustic music draws on country and folk traditions. Their easygoing songs invite toe-tapping and singing along. ... Although James and Shapter harmonize flawlessly together, they maintain distinctive sounds. ... Their tribute to traditional American music ... aligns them with artists like John Prine and early Wilco."

"That's some mighty fine fiddle playing."

"[Their voices are like] different currents in the same wine-dark river ..."