Press Quotes

"On 'Look Down That Lonesome Road,' one of the more somber tunes from the band's self-titled debut, [the] strings are employed to weepy, nostalgic effect-proving this band of Ghosts good for more than just a hoedown starter. While other tracks range from wicked, fiddle-led numbers to upbeat, cutesy jaunts like 'Hawthorne Gals,' leadman Gus Smith takes "Lonesome Road" to a far lonelier place.
The weary ache on his voice...matched with lovely backing vocals from frontgal Kati Claborn, the bright picking of what I'm guessing is that banjolele and Linnea Spitzer's softly swelling violin-communicates a defeatedness that's almost unbearably earnest. And it sets Mighty Ghosts of Heaven apart from many of the Northwest's more kitschy old-time bands: It proves the Ghosts a serious endeavor, rather than a collection of skilled stringsters taking advantage of a popular musical niche."
- Amy McCullough | Willamette Week - November 2, 2007

"Ladies of Hawthorne Boulevard, watch your back - Kati Claborn of the Mighty Ghosts Of Heaven is coming for you...Granted, [Hawthorne Gals] is projected via Claborn's harmless voice, one that fits nicely within the Ghosts' old-timey, haunted-bluegrass sound. When not threatening bodily harm upon those who flirt with her fellow, Claborn & Co. pay their repsectful dues to the music of old, complete with an army of instruments at their side, some of which are to be expected (banjo, standup bass) while others are a bit exotic (ukuleles, mountain dulcimer)."
- Ezra Ace Caraeff | Portland Mercury - November 1, 2007

"Portland's own Mighty Ghosts Of Heaven offer up strings aplenty (dulcimer, ukuleles and banjos, oh my!), not to mention endlessly humable melodies and boatloads of charm. The whole affair is effortlesslly cemented by frontgal Kati Claborn's winking lyrics, though frontguy Gus Smith adds rough and weary vocals to poignant effect, as well. A fine sampling of the whole shebang can be found on the band's self-titled cd..."
- Amy McCullough | Willamette Week - October 31, 2007

"Mighty Ghosts of Heaven had my foot sompin' from the opening track. The band's instruments include ukuleles, mountain dulcimer, fiddle, tenor banjo, guitar, standup bass and an eclectic assortment of percussive instruments and effects...Mighty Ghosts of Heaven update the standard bluegrass/old timey sound with diverse arrangements, beautiful duets and a honest sense of fun."
- Songs:Illinois - October 24, 2007

"A radical take on traditional old-time string band songs...Kati's voice is crystal clear, straight out of Appalachia. Gus' voice is lower, a bit weathered, and belongs to an era of hobos and hopping trains, pre-automobile. When the two of them sing together it can literally send shivers up your spine."
- Robert Tacker | Radio Memeworks

"With hardly a trace of pretentiousness or precaution, [the] self-titled album is charmed with some of the sweetest country bluegrass you¹ll ever hear."
- What's Up Magazine

More Reviews:

Local Cut - CD Review of Mighty Ghosts of Heaven by Jim Sandberg, October 24, 2007
Mail Tribune - Review of show at Johnny B's, Ashland, OR by Chris Conrad, March 30, 2007