Here is just some of what the critics are saying about Dragonetti's New Academy!- “...... an important addition to the double-bass repertoire,...and chamber music in general.... consistently tuneful and inventive,... first violinist Krista Bennion Feeney plays exceptionally well,.....John Feeney conjures up a credible image of what it must have been like to hear the great Dragonetti in person.... laden with runs, arpeggios, and stratospheric licks that would challenge many a cellist, and Feeney polishes off all of it as if it were second nature. Excellent recorded sound. All I can say is, “More, please!” Christopher Brodersen- Fanfare Magazine Jan/Feb. John Feeney gives verve, energy, and a lightness of touch to an impeccable performance. One eagerly anticipates further recordings from the NY based soloist of this Paganini of the low register.- Early Music America. “ Feeney shows himself to be a master of the instrument, producing a variety of effects and colors that would astonish listeners.......Feeney handles rapid passage work with hard-driving virtuosity. In his hands the classical melodies come off with elegance and style. Like a fine operatic bass, he can render melodies and passage work with a brilliant gleam.... his runs to the depths of the bass clef gave the work a dramatic power. First violinist Krista Bennion Feeney plays with particular virtuosity... clean, stylish phrasing...” - David Fleshler, The Classical Review “ .....outstanding and subtle recording..... exemplary sound quality is courtesy of Adam Abeshouse ...... Feeney’s sprightly treatment of the theme will be difficult to get out of your head. The Loma Mar Quartet ....imbue every bar with graceful energy—even a bit of humor..........Feeney plunges into the challenging final Allegro with gusto, displaying some of his most impressive playing of the entire disc.- Discoveries by BRUCE HODGES The Juilliard Journal “Top Class Performances and excellent recording ambiance make this disc an absolute delight.” - The Whole Note- Terry Robbins “ This is ...the closest to what the work may have sounded like directly by the hand of Mr. Dragonetti. ...the Adagio section from quintet #13 was stunning in its gravitas..... COMMANDOpera highly recommends this compilation.- By CREWMANTLE COMMANDOpera Published: APRIL 12, 2010 “...a programme ...all played with splendid rhythmic vitality and colour...Dragonetti's music shares.... both melodic appeal and virtuoso opportunities for the players. The double-bass gives these works a depth of harmonics and a greater feeling of density than works featuring the oft-heard violin-viola-cello line-up.*********** Oberon's Grove “John is a simply outstanding bass player,” “His technical skill is matched by a formidable musical energy and a huge seriousness about the work in hand. It is great that he is doing this intriguing Dragonetti project.”- Sir Roger Norrington from Chamber Music Magazine.