"This is stunning stuff..if you like roots music, you can't miss this one. (CBC Radio)"... Indeed, terrific, beautiful, great, heavenly, gorgeous, I cannot find the words to describe what Greg Hobbs (a Toronto-based singer-songwriter) has pulled out of his hat, like magic. The man, who grew up in a very musical family has been active for the past 4 years with his music.

Beginning young means you're halfway there! (dutch expression..)

He has been a much desired guest in all the clubs and festivals where he lives, in Toronto (Canada) Hence, the title he received "local must see" was well deserved.

His album brings a fresh, poetic, lyrical feel to his folk-roots-country genre. It's an an album that touches on several themes: alcohol as a threatening obstacle between love and heartbreak, sensitive honest exclamations "i won't always be smiling", the story of a one-night stand, the familiar ups and downs of relationships. However, Threats and Promises is an optimistic album. Greg looks at life with a wink and his twelve songs are a reflection of an actual life lived.

Greg Hobbs was accompanied on this album by an accomplished band, but take note of the sublime organ and pedasteel. All of this in combination with the tasteful moody back-vocals of Nicole Dueck, results in an album that can be considered one of the best releases of 2004. Without hesitation, I would give it 5 stars, even if it was the live track of "Beautiful girls" because it confirms what I have been saying for years: why do all those beautiful women always fall for such idiotic and arrogarnt men?! The answer is blowing in the wind. Real class!