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REVIEWS
See what the media, music fans and musicians are saying about Sam’s music!
"...covers of classic rock songs performed excellently by the clarity of a dulcimer fronting a rock band...The songs all have energy, no sleepers."
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"'Making Waves' isn’t just an album title; it’s a declaration of intent from an artist determined to shatter preconceptions about an instrument typically relegated to Appalachian porches and Renaissance fairs...Edelston hasn’t just made waves—he’s charted entirely new currents for an ancient instrument to navigate."
"There’s a charm that runs through both his original compositions as well as his takes on the classics, with his vocals and the voice of others giving us plenty of charisma on top of the lively string strumming."​
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"Sam Edelston is a dulcimer wizard who has used the old-time instrument to cover classic rock songs in the past. We’re in awe of one of his most recent covers as he does a bang-up job of tackling Led Zeppelin’s 'Whole Lotta Love'.”
"It's genuine, emotional, and adventurous in its sound. It's about creating a new space for music where there wasn't one before. For those who think they've heard it all in rock music, Edelston & Dulcimer's latest could change your perspective."​​​​
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"In a musical landscape where genre conventions often feel set in stone, Sam Edelston emerges as a true innovator...Across 15 tracks, Edelston reimagines familiar songs with a fresh voice, all while demonstrating just how versatile this traditionally Folk-rooted instrument can be."
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"‘Making Waves’ is one of those rare releases that not only sounds intriguing to read about, but also manages to captivate you with its wondrous progression and flow. Sam Edelston makes a brilliantly bold and dynamic introduction here, one that sticks with you long after the final note fades."
"Sam has taken the mountain dulcimer from its backwoods Appalachian origins to genres most players never dreamed of, from bossa nova to bluegrass to Black Sabbath ... Sam is a brilliant and innovative player."
"It's a bold production that goes for something different and succeeds. And the dulcimer shines as the protagonist without sounding forced."
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"The melody of this peculiar stringed instrument is sweet and velvety, typical of ciranda and classical music. However, it fits very well in the fifteen original songs and covers of this album, thanks to a unique creative intelligence."
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"Displaying a frightening amount of rock mojo for a guy who seems fairly quiet and unassuming, Edelston used his amplified three-string mountain dulcimer to roar his way through ‘Whole Lotta Love’ without so much as breaking a sweat. After watching this, we’re ready to jump in a van and follow Edelston around on tour."
What other artists are saying...
Steve Eulberg - Dulcimer Performer / Instructor / Author
"Making Waves is a multi-decade jukebox of well-thought-out arrangements, skillfully played by Sam and his cast of supporting musicians that never fail to delight, surprise and tickle my fancy. As soon as I’ve reached the final track, I’m ready to start all over again!"
Joellen Lapidus - Pioneering Dulcimer Player / Builder / Author
"My mind was blown ... Sam has added a huge chapter to the development of the mountain dulcimer as a versatile and ever growing musical American folk instrument."
Roia Rafieyan - Singer / Guitarist / Songwriter / Music Therapist
Making Waves is "a loving tribute to a vastly underappreciated instrument, the playing of which you’ve elevated to something of an art form. Bravo, Sam!!"