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The Palm Wine Boys play the lilting, danceable brand of West African folk music know as "palm wine", an irresistible rhythm that was probably one of the forebears of Trinidad's calypso. Guitarist and songwriter Richard Linley learned the style from S.E. Rogie- one of the genre's great innovators- but the band adds its own brand of Zulu jive, Congolese soukous, and American folk and blues to the mix. -East Bay Express

The rich vocal harmonizing, combined with intricate guitar interplay and lilting rhythms make Palm Wine Boys a fresh, warm breeze in the increasingly stale 'world music' atmosphere.- Larry Kelp, KPFA

Combining elements of highlife and acoustic folk, this group calls to mind all that is wonderful about African music: Hope, history, and a bit of joyful tipsiness." - Metro Santa Cruz

The perfect atmosphere for dancing or just soaking up the juicy feel-good vibes. - Damon Orion, Santa Cruz Good Times

Playing out of my little computer speakers was this music that made me stare off out my window into the clouds and smile. I called everyone in the house into my room and we all smiled. - Judy Wolf, edificewrecked.com

Palm wine is the music of a lazy West African afternoon, sitting under a tree playing acoustic guitars and sipping the fermented-sap brew that gave the music its name. California's Palm Wine Boys use this musical tradition as a base for their sweet songs of people learning, loving, and struggling though life. I'm so used to hearing foreign languages it took me a couple listenings to accept how well the English lyrics fit with the lilting music. The arrangements are simple but rich, with subtle bass, flute, and percussion supporting the up-front guitars and vocals. Palm wine is a style that demands heart more than virtuosity, and the group's heart makes Up & Down sweet, soft, energetic, accessible, and full of sublime delights. - Spin The Globe Spin The Globe

So sweet -- you just have to hear them! - Kevin Vance, KALW

Listening to their music is like taking a tropical vacation.- San Jose Mercury News

Palm wine guitar music is like folk music or blues. People sing heart to heart songs - what they feel. They drink a little to feel happy and what they drink is palm wine.- S.E Rogie

The light, playful style may have its origins among the Kru, or Krio--seafaring, guitar-picking peoples of Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Often played as a trio consisting of guitar, percussion (box drum and clips) and vocals that was performed at venues where palm wine was sold and also offered for the musician's motivation.

It is often performed in rural bars or underneath a shady tree where men sit drinking palm wine and asking the musician for songs.

Typical of the palm wine sound is the light and airy guitar riffs originally played on acoustic guitar accompanied by traditional percussion instruments.

Like much African guitar music, palm wine guitar is notable for the intertwining guitar lines, but it must be the most gentle form of African guitar music around, walking a thin line between music you can relax and listen to and music that makes you want to dance.

The late S.E. Rogie was a song writer, story teller and self-taught guitarist extraordinaire. Rogie nurtured and developed palm wine style music and pushed in onto the International scene during the 1960's.

Palm wine is gathered by expert tappers who climb the tops of palm trees to extract (tap) the sweet, milky liquid which ferments quickly and produces a mellow, nature high in those who imbibe. It is a popular drink at bars and dance halls, as well as at social occasions where the music originated.

Depending on locality, it contains from 2 to 4 percent alcohol.

Palm wine must be drunk shortly after it is fermented for it quickly turns to vinegar and inceases in alcohol content. Hence, the African proverb: "Man is like palm-wine: when young, sweet but without strength; in old age, strong but harsh."