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"The vocal harmonies are the real star of the show here, sounding really haunting at times... Suits the sea shanty genre down to the ground."
-- York Calling
“A testament to the power of the human voice.”
-- Grateful Web
"Kahn’s songs are inarguably true to the traditional form of shanties, mostly a capella with sparse musical accompaniment on accordion (played by Brian Mann), acoustic guitar, pennywhistle, hammer dulcimer, and, eerily, bones used for percussion by Sharmon Termondt. There are guest appearances by The Punch Brothers’ Gabe Witcher and Toad The Wet Sprocket’s Glen Phillips. The four- and five-part vocal harmonies, particularly on the title track, are impressive, as is its award-winning video."
-- Americana UK
"It’s a meaningful and moving mix of sound and suggestion, imbued with emotion but inspired by the need to take immediate action in order to protect the planet."
-- Lee Zimmerman, The Daily Ripple
"By the Risin’ of the Sea brings sea shanties into the modern era, tackling contemporary themes with classic folk musical strains. It is by turns moving and poignant, funny and angry, while remaining full of hope."
-- Sterling K. Webb, Sponic Zine
"Beginning with the low drone of Adam Phillips’ pastoral bagpipes and then Kahn’s timeless folk-vocal, ‘No More a’ Whalin” succeeds in transporting us across both time and place. The song is held together by the low heartbeat thump of Rebecca Troon’s bodhran, beating out an absorbing rhythm, while David West and Doug Clegg deliver gorgeous, rich backing vocals, harmonies that rise and soar, lifting Kahn’s own voice."
-- Americana UK
"James Kahn... gives us... a unique and very special beauty with a strong enchanting acoustic vibe, in addition to the characteristic voice of this minstrel that seems to declaim a tale in the form of poetry."
-- Roadie Music Blog
"The record maintains a sonic and spiritual authenticity, transporting the audience back in time...The third song, “Landfall,” offers something of a mission statement. Kahn and his musical brethren sing about the search for a home on land. Beyond the literal imagining of sailors searching for a shore, it takes on profound application to a world adrift."
--David Masciotra, The Daily Ripple
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