"Nos Novo shows what can happen when a new idea is put in the hands of some of the most creative musicians working today. Like the best music, Nos Novo is less concerned about genre boundaries and more concerned about crafting beautiful melodies and undeniable rhythms. Nos Novo is where I hope music is heading."

-- Jason Crane, Host/Producer, The Jazz Session

"James Shipp and Nos Novo give the kind performances we're eager to present; music that celebrates traditions while introducing a new artistic vocabulary that revitalizes them. If you're interested in giving your audience an experience that is guaranteed to both entertain and nourish, you won't go wrong with this exciting ensemble."

-- Aidan Connolly, director of New York's Irish Arts Center

"Vibraphonist James Shipp's Nós Novo offers a worldly mix of sea shanties, Celtic reels and airs, Brazilian soul and jazz spirit, played via a mix of strings, percussion instruments and the soaring voice of singer Jo Lawry. More amazing than the boldness of the mix is the seamlessness with which it all comes together on the band's lovely new album, Strange Sweethearts in America."

-- Time Out New York


"Mr. Shipp ... draws here from a striking new album, Strange Sweethearts in
America (Shippwrite), which advances a jazz-based take on traditional
Celtic music."
-- Nate Chinen, The New York Times

“Nós Novo's 'Strange Sweethearts in America' is a refreshing blend of Irish, Brazilian music and jazz that really works wonderfully. The arrangements are unique, the playing and singing are superb, and the disc is filled with unbridled joy. A real treat all around.”

-- pianist/composer Fred Hersch


"Think experimental, jazz and Celtic all thrown together and stirred up and you’ll have a peek into what ”Strange Sweethearts In America” is all about. James Shipp is a vibraphonist, composer and percussionist and he performs here with Nos Novo, a quartet. The name “Nos Novo” means “new way”, and it certainly describes the CD well. It blazes trails.

You won’t hear traditional fare here. This is for those who like to stretch the envelope and see what the limits are. The group doesn’t go so far out there that the music is un-listenable however. The beauty of the album is that it is listenable–just full of surprises and unexpected twists and turns. Singer Jo Lawry’s voice is haunting, intersting and beautiful, and the song, ”In My Head” is an amazing showcase for it. She adds a nuance to the CD that truly sets it apart, and indeed, her voice is another instrument here.

The CD blends Brazillian and Irish music with jazz for a completely unique sound. My efforts to find something to compare it to fall short, but those who love innovation should try this out. Some of the songs have a childlike, playful feel to them, while others are almost a bit haunting. Creative and interesting, check this out if you are looking for something fresh and different.


-- Catherine L. Tully, Celtic MP3's.com