Click HERE for a wonderful and scholarly essay by Peter Timmerman giving his thoughts on The "Flight of Fancy" CD

Toronto Star Review

 “The second duet recording by Canadian folk music boomers, singer/guitarist Joanne Crabtree (formerly Joanne Hindley-Smith) and primo picker/producer Paul Mills is a warm and friendly confluence of vintage song and old-guard spirit. The generous all-acoustic package offers six Crabtree originals, a couple of traditional pieces and a selection of covers ranging from Stephen Foster's "Oh Susannah" to Cole Porter's "Miss Otis Regrets", from Ry Cooder's and John Hiatt's "Across The Borderline" to contemporary compositions by rustic recidivists Kevin Welch and Keiran Kane. While the set contains few spine-chilling musical moments (Mills' understated and graceful work on the Porter piece is one, as is his trademark "New York-style" fingerpicking on other key cuts), it's clear these two artists complement each other well, and are very comfortable exploring their shared passion for the tuneful, light-hearted and sentimental folk and jug-band music of their youth. Crabtree & Mills launch their sophomore effort tonight with a concert at Hugh's Room (www.hughsroom.com, tickets $18 at the door). If their sold-out show there several months back is anything to go by, this will likely be one of the year's big Canadian roots music moments,”

- Greg Quill, Toronto Star  

From Australia:

Crabtree &  Mills are a duo of Joanne Crabtree and Paul Mills. Well Paul once again shows his considerable skills as a guitarist, producer and Recording  Engineer. Not that that takes anything away from Joanne's great voice,  actually Paul has enhanced the voice by keeping the arrangements  uncluttered. They are assisted by their sons, Ed Crabtree and Trevor  Mills. Most of the songs come from the pen of Joanne. Folk, Blues and Jazz  alternate and give the CD a great balance. Definitely one to look out  for.

- Henk de Weerd, "Good Morning Folk" 5EBI103.1FM in Adelaide, South Australia

From Mark Haines:

There is a compelling collaboration afoot in the Crabtree & Mills recording, "Flight Of Fancy". Paul Mills and Joanne Crabtree obviously enjoy a balance of sound and energy that can only happen when there is an equal give and take between the players. Here, two gifted musicians, tempered by time and edged by experience, have given flight to a fine set of original and collected tunes. Sometimes joined by progeny Trevor Mills and Ed Crabtree, they quite comfortably span the idioms of folk and ragtime blues with occasional forays into the land of swing. The songs, sometimes thought provoking and sometimes fanciful rants, are a perfect vehicle for Joanne's distinctive and expressive vocals. As always, Paul's delightful and imaginative guitar playing is everything from superbly supportive to downright titillating. Add his smoothly blended harmony vocals and you've got an ear-friendly product from beginning to end. There is an honesty in the performance and production of this recording, and it is this same honesty that has given folk music its universal and timeless appeal. Crabtree & Mills are real people, playing real music, engaging us, entertaining us, encouraging us to their "Flight Of Fancy".

From the presenters of a recent house concert:

We wanted to let you know that we received total positive feedback from the concert last night. Your stories were wonderful and you crafted a performance that was both professional and intimate. This can only come from performers that are comfortable with themselves, with each other, and masters of their art. Your program was very well chosen, appealing to everyone. My daughter and her friends have been playing your CDs this afternoon and transferring the songs onto their ipods. 

I think what impressed people here most is your friendliness and your 'down to earth' good natures, your mastery of performance and your breadth of experience.

From a discerning listener:

You and Paul make amazing music together...it really does seem effortless how the sound flows and moves and finds one powerful voice. We enjoyed and enjoyed.......and enjoyed your artistry, and fun and creativity and emotional fluency....and experiences of your joy.....and thank you.....It was the best! All I can say is......universe, what took you so long. We have all been waiting for Crabtree&Mills.