Reviews About Tom & Chris Kastle
"When you think of Tom and Chris Kastle, think of of old sailing ships. The two Chicagoans who have served as crew members on Great Lakes sailing vessels, have combed through old journals and records for songs and stories of the Great Lakes. They blend this material with humor into their music." — The Milwaukee Journal
"I found their music to be delightful. They have a definite Celtic sound to their work. This gives it a haunting quality- a traditional quality... Tom earned his 100 ton license from the United States Coast Guard. This means he is qualified to be the Master of ships up to 100 tons. How many singers do you know who can do that? ... Maritime music for them is a living tradition."— Great Lakes Cruiser Magazine
"Purveyors of traditional and original material, Tom and Chris Kastle deliver songs of the Great Lakes and the seas beyond with equal touches of mirth and pathos. Both are adept at drawing music from a variety of stringed and wind instruments. Often sailing on vessels like those in their songs, this nautical duo has appeared throughout the U.S. and Canada, and at folk festivals in the Old World. Known for their meticulous research into the event described in their songs, Tom and Chris Kastle transport their audiences to forgotten times and faraway places. Their appearance at the Maple Street Chapel offers a rare opportunity to enjoy the magic that they weave."— Maple St. Chapel Concert Series
"Chicago's first family of maritime music"— Barry Keefe "The Mix" (WTMX Radio)
"The Kastles have made it perfectly clear here that the true melting pot of the world is its waterways...throughout the entire CD you can hear that Tom and Chris has fun with this album. You can sense it in their voices and in the instruments. This is not a stoic reproduction of historic material...this is a labor of love, and it shows. You'll enjoy it!"— Great Lakes Cruiser Magazine
"Batten down the hatches and hoist the mainsail! Tom and Chris want to take you on a voyage to explore the wonders of water...devoted to passing on their love of the maritime tradition."— Chicago Parent (The Mermaid and Other Sea Songs)
Reviews About Their Recordings
"Graced with fine instrumental work and equally strong vocals, Burnham Harbor's variety of maritime themes allows us to glimpse and begin to understand the draw of the open sea."— SingOut! (Burnham Harbor)
"Their vocals are warm and inviting and their differences in style play off each other quite nicely...The Black Dog of Lake Erie, a menacing tale of disaster on the Great Lakes sounds like an instant maritime classic."— Chicago Tribune (Earthways, Waterways)
"If your children love the sea or want to sail, this is the recording for them...Sung and performed with a hardy spirit and such a convincing tone, you can feel the salt spray on your face."— Dirty Linen (See the Sea)
