In January 2005 Gypsy Supper was nominated for Best Acoustic Album, 2004 Life Style Music Awards. We can’t express our gratitude and heartfelt appreciation toward those who promote and support our music. Thanks New Age Reporter, White Swan Records & Distribution, radio in the States and Europe and of course loyal fans and listeners.

New Age Reporter 2003
“Was very impressed…”

Radio Pretoria, 2003
I've been featuring tracks from “Gypsy Supper” since I got it in the mail… they've already shot to the top-rated spots on my play list as rated by my listeners (in fact, “Lifted Spirit” has been #1 for days, with “The Fine Woven Thread” following close behind at the moment at #4)

Music Sojourn 2003
“On a personal note, this is one of the best CDs I have received this year...”

Partners in marriage and music, the couple gives each other the freedom to express themselves in their own unique way, both as an individual and a duo. As previously stated, the inability to musically label this couple to one specific genre reflects both their strength and weakness. Their musical expression is unique but how one goes about marketing them is another. Nevertheless, when the mood warrants it, this is a good listening experience for those patient enough to seek this type of genre bender.

Victory Review March 2004 review by Mary Hartman
This CD formed a personal soundtrack for a drive west along the Washington side of the Columbia River gorge from the dry grasslands to the foot of the mountains and it induced a feeling of well-being and hope. William and Alene Bertman are Seattle natives who creatively pair steel and nylon strung guitars for a unique sound. It must be hell to mix properly, yet it was done perfectly here (recorded and mixed at Audio Logic in Seattle). Supporting musicians include Anna Schaad, a wizard on violin and viola, Jennifer Parkinson on bass, and Jay Kenney on keyboards. William and Alene obviously spent a lot of time choosing the right songs for this recording, ranging from percussive and energetic to traditional to New Age ballads (full of minors and ninths) to swing. They begin the traditional Celtic song "Miss Shepherd" ordinarily enough, but soon steer into jazzy chords, violin and even Hammond organ and a swinging guitar solo. "Morrison's Jig and Andy de Jarlis" features a thrilling duet of guitar and fiddle (played by Susan Burke on this cut). But I think my favorite is the title track where William and Alene play with total abandon. Amazing guitarists!

Sing Out Summer 2004 Off the Beaten Track review by Jamie Anderson
On this instrumental recording Seattle-based duo William and Alene Bertman present a beautiful blending of guitars tastefully layered with violin, bass, keyboard and light percussion. Like a gypsy Michael Hedges, William's steel strung guitar sings over Alene's gentle and masterfully played nylon strung instrument. Presenting mostly original tunes with a few traditional pieces, each song is a gem.

“No Words” is a solo piece William wrote for Alene as a gift because; “Although she loves chocolate… she'd rather have a song.” The notes trip and fall over one another in several distinct movements like a good symphony. There's an almost traditional sounding Celtic section, one with power chords any rock player would envy, some parts with lightening fast licks and other sections that breathe, with an almost dreamy feel. A lot of the disc is this way. Just when you think they're going to race into a blur of melody, the notes will stop and, I swear, sigh.

They have a little fun with the traditional Scottish number “Miss Shepherd.” Lulled by a straight-ahead version at the start, it veers into blues territory with a wailing violin and biting blues guitar licks. “Lifted Spirit” is Alene's solo contribution, a modern melodic classical piece. “Morrison's Jig and Andy de Jarlis” is a lively medley with the band and “The Fine Woven Thread” sounds like falling water, with the two guitars moving in tandem, then splitting apart to flow with the violin and other instruments. And oh, that violin played by Anna Schaad! In many songs it's a melodic triumph that helps the song to a brilliant crescendo but in others, it's softly in the background. Liner notes are extensive, explaining the inspiration for each song. A brilliantly played modern Celtic album.

Dirty Linen Magazine, January 2000
“a lovely …lyrical and precise recording.”

New Age Voice Magazine, January 2000
“diverse influences merge here in music characterized by nimble chord progressions, keen rhythmic values and a touch of humorous whimsy.”

Borders
“Their proficiency at guitar playing and songwriting exude Celtic and classical ambiance. They are a Borders favorite…”

Sounds of Seattle
“Sun Stand Still” feels at once mystic and martial. Though it covers a broad emotional range, Dowry of Guitars maintains a profound repose within its rigorous artistry. The final song, “Sweetwater” is a 12 string melodic rinse that is at once refreshing and thoughtful.

The Stranger
A star is born? Back stage at the Lilith Fair tryouts….

Windy City Times (Chicago) The niece of the late Chicago-based queer icon and cult-figure, writer Jon-Henri Damski, Alene Bertman is an accomplished musician.

The Arlington Times/The Marysville Globe
“Dowry of Guitars is a culmination of all Alene Bertman’s efforts in the studio and it reflects the bridging of William and Alene’s unique guitar styles.”