Writing About Jim & Penny or Back Porch Swing? Check out our Media Kit Page for Details!

What People Are Saying About Back Porch Swing:

Review: Back Porch Swing at Lethbridge Folk Club, May 6, 2024

"The Lethbridge Folk Club wound down their season, May 6 athletic thew Lethbridge College Cave with a great show from Edmonton based Back Porch Swing. An attentive audience enjoyed a set of jazz-tinged Western swing, bluegrass and quirky country music.

Everybody got to solo, especially when Jim Malmberg traded his guitar for the mandolin. Penny Malmberg introduced the songs and told stories in addition to singing most of the lead vocals. As usual, Cam Neufeld played beautiful violin lines. I arrived in time to hear a quirky song about aging called "Muffin Top". They happily fulfilled a request for a song about a pig called "Francis" who made a bid for freedom in route to the abattoir. Jim Malmberg played a hot acoustic guitar lead before exchanging it for the mandolin and playing sizzling leads on tunes including "What The Fox" and a wicked version of the "Spiderman" theme song which wound down the show. One highlight was a song about "Canned Music" as was a bluegrass version of the Rolling Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want".

Richard Amery, Lethbridge Sun Times

Review: Jim and Penny Malmberg at Northern Lights Folk Club, January 21, 2024

"I’m constantly amazed by the diversity of musicians in Edmonton and the range of genres that they perform. At the Northern Lights Folk Club last night, locals Jim & Penny Malmberg showed off their quirkiness in song lyrics like Muffin Tops in Love or when they drew comparisons between courtship and fishing in I Took the Bait. Even throwing in a good ole bluegrass murder ballad with Urban Coyote. But it wasn’t all hilarious stage banter and eccentric songs, when Penny announced that she was at the Women’s March earlier that day at the Alberta Legislature, she brought the focus to the fight for women’s rights. She excused herself for screaming herself hoarse earlier that day, disregarding texts from Jim to save her voice for the gig, and it was evident her passion for this issue could not be silenced. For the conclusion of their half of the show, the Malmbergs sang a cover of the Rolling Stone’s You Can’t Always Get What You Want echoing their sentiments.

It was a power packed evening full of good humour and quirkiness — if you didn’t show up with a smile on your face, you certainly left with one." folkontheroad.ca

"Lotsa love and respect HUGE"

Robson Valley Music Festival – Shara Gustafson

"Thanks for everything, Back Porch Swing. You brought such a great energy to our week long adventure - Camp wouldn't have been the same without you, and it's no wonder to us that you wonderful folks were a Festival favourite. You really have given us all keys to happiness. Come back to Saskatchewan, and soon! "

Northern Lights Bluegrass and Old Tyme Music Festival – Jennifer Bork, Artistic Director

"witty, humorously charming lyrics mixed with tasty playing . . . this CD will earn them some well-deserved fans."

CD review of "Riding" – Penguin Eggs Magazine

On behalf of the Blueberry Bluegrass committee I would like to thank you all so much for your fine performances at our festival. Despite the Saturday night entertainment at 5 o'clock that "Mother Nature" provided for us you guys kept a positive attitude and a sunny disposition. Hope you enjoyed being at Blueberry 2009 as much as we enjoyed having you.

Blueberry Bluegrass Festival 2009 – Dave Johnston, Director