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As Dave Higgs respected host of Nashville Public Radio’s nationally syndicated bluegrass program describes the performance:
"Wil Maring is one of those truly gifted musicians who writes as well as she sings. Her powerful songs have the ability to whisk the listener away to other lands, places and times. They're thought-provoking, compelling and always propelled by the perfect melody. And her gorgeous voice is capable of conveying a myriad of emotions. She can be sweet, playful, soulful and downright bluesy--sometimes all in the same song! Absolutely, hands-down some of the most mesmerizing, exciting, interesting and enjoyable acoustic music I have ever heard. Wil's songs are just in a league of their own, and the picking.... the interplay between (the musicians) is simply astonishing. Not clones -- but an inspired group with a different message. I love it!
With "The Calling" she has established herself as one of the genre's premier songwriters. Her songs are always thoughtful, tastefully arranged, arrestingly executed, melodically interesting and pack a 20-megaton emotional wallop. And, as though that wasn't enough to send everyone into perpetual euphoria, she has developed an original sound as well--propelled by her beautiful, one-of-a-kind voice that is lilting and gorgeous yet tempered with a tough-edginess that makes for a simply exquisite combination. I especially enjoyed the ominous "Black Snake of the Sky," the inspiring "Keeper of the Farm," the hauntingly poetic "Going Down," the introspectful "Window Seat" and the killer cover of "Back in the Highlife Again."
The bluegrass backdrop surprisingly
suits her fragile, delicate voice......
her openness and ability to be in touch
with her feelings are not only uplifting,
but give her finely-crafted songs integrity."
Dirty Linen
"There is a clarity and cleanness
which penetrates, demands
attention and ultimately, lifts
the spirit."
Country Music People,
United Kingdom
Steve Clarke CHES (101.5 FM) Erin Ontario: "I recently connected with Illinois based Wil Maring through myspace and the connection has been an unexpected pleasure with the receipt of a copy of her latest CD, The Calling. I believe that I’ve found an American treasure; she’s that good, both as a writer and as a performer. Through repeated listenings, I haven’t found a single track that I wouldn’t play on the air; oh, I prefer some tracks over others but this is all good music. The Calling is a fifteen track effort featuring the guitar work and unique, soothing voice of Ms. Maring, with support from Mark Stoffel (mandolin, dobro mandolin, percussion and vocals) and Robert Bowlin (guitar, tenor guitar and fiddle) plus some other fine players, including Stuart Duncan (fiddle), Rob Ickes (dobro), and Dennis Crouch (bass) as additional special guests. Wil Maring could be classified as bluegrass or folk but that wouldn’t give you a true picture of her breadth as a writer and performer. What we have here is a case of real Americana – the roots music that has evolved from a fusion of bluegrass, folk and acoustic with the vibrant spirit of the indie scene (although perhaps with fewer piercings and tattoos). This is music from the heartland – and from the heart. Each song is well crafted with vocals and instrumentation finely tuned, reflecting off each other and blending to become more than the individual parts. From the first track this Album called out to me. Whether singing in Open Road about the hold the road has on a performer’s life, doing an excellent cover of Stevie Winwood’s Back in the High Life Again, or passionately singing about that sense of history and awe felt by anyone who has purchased an older home or farm in Keeper of the Farm, Wil Maring has captured the essence of each theme. This is an album that anyone even vaguely interested in Americana as a music form must own. Well done Wil Maring, I am officially a fan. Wil Maring’s CD, The Calling, can be found on Roan Pony Records. Steve Clarke is the producer/host of Acoustic Planet, broadcast each Thursday from 8 to 10 p.m. on CHES (101.5 FM) in Erin Ontario and on the web at www.erinradio.ca"
Peggy Leyva-Conley: "Wil Maring is a dynamic songwriter, guitarist and singer. She has created a homespun quality and sound while performing deep rooted bluegrass music mixed in with the sound of folk. There is clarity and brilliance in her masterpieces. She has a passion in her voice while performing songs dear to her heart such as "Keeper of the Farm". The song is poetic in nature with a down-home feeling. The lyrics contain visions of the past that will take you down an old path leading to a family farm that is filled with history. It is a heartfelt song in its overall interpretation of its presence, and in a land of memory dear to her heart called family. Overall she brings forth great music that will last a lifetime." Peggy Leyva-Conley, former Editor/Columnist, Delta Snake Blues Magazine San Jose, California