“A singer and guitarist to watch out for” The Times
“The John Ward Trio gave us powerful songs, fine harmonies, skilled accompaniment and a breathtaking bodhran solo from John. The audience loved it, gave them one of the most enthusiastic responses the Club has seen in over 30 years and demanded that they be booked again” Folk on the Moor, Devon
"The best folk music set I have ever seen ... literally" The Morning Star
“We were fortunate to have the John Ward Trio … their use of harmonies was spot on … but when John went off on a bodhran solo it was spectacular … I never knew you could achieve that with a bodhran! We’ll look forward to a reprise in the future” Steve Primarolo, Organiser, Bracknell Folk Club
"Love the Sargasso album … cracking songs" Mike Harding
"John Ward Trio's debut at The Topic ticked all the boxes: fine musicianship from all three, superb songwriting, strong harmonies, all enhanced by their well thought-out arrangements. They certainly put a great deal of thought into their performance, and it shows!" Topic Folk Club
“Last night we had a bloody good time because of you guys. The quality of songwriting and production presented live without technics was faultless. Great harmonies and instrumental work, in particular, the bodhran. A return visit is a must” Mike Peach, Organiser, Anchor Folk Club
"John appears to be playing everywhere in 2019 so an added bonus will be the chance of catching this album [Life Drawing] performed live. Thoroughly recommended." Paul Jackson, Fatea
“I’ve always admired the fearless way John tackles certain themes often neglected by other folk artists. He is a poet and a lyricist, a writer and arrange of the top order” Richard Grainger Great North Festival
“A Songwriter of maturity and depth” Time Out
(Congress) is full of surprise and quirks. Native Americam modal melody, rhythmic ostinati, sea shanty, trad folk, song and instrumental all blend to tell the tale. It is a quality project, a tremendous story, the music by turn haunting or uplifting, played and sung with skill and heart. Epic. Spirit Of Progressive Rock
"What a wonderful evening this lively trio gave us, with well-crafted songs enhanced by their vocal harmonies and superb musicianship! Jackie White, Organiser - Dorking Folk Club
‘The John Ward Band is Folk at its finest’ East Anglian Daily Times
“The John Ward Trio gave us powerful songs, fine harmonies, skilled accompaniment and a breathtaking bodhran solo from John. The audience loved it, gave them one of the most enthusiastic responses the Club has seen in over 30 years and demanded that they be booked again” – Folk on the Moor, Devon
“We were fortunate to have the John Ward Trio … their use of harmonies was spot on … neat instrumental work … but when John went off on a bodhran solo it was spectacular … I never knew you could achieve that with a bodhran! We’ll look forward to a reprise in the future” -- Steve Primarolo, Organiser – Bracknell Folk Club
" (Sargasso) ... with John's wide song writing lens and easy way with a chorus, it is not hard to imagine a few of these tunes being picked up and covered by bands like Fairport Convention" -- Fatea
“Life Drawing CD … the hardest thing about writing this review has been trying not to repeat all the superlatives I used up with 2016's Sargasso” Fatea
"…magnificent songs… this man and his excellent band are one of the UK music scene’s best kept secrets" -- Stephen Foster, BBC Radio Suffolk
" ... excellent album [Life Drawing] and do try to catch him and the band live" -- East Anglian Daily Times
" ... powerful tales ... canny depictions" -- Living Tradition
(Waking Dreams) "Excellent" -- Folk Roots
(Water On The Stone) “Excellent lyrics, beautiful tunes” -- Folk Roundabout
"John Ward has gained an enviable reputation over the years for his solo, duo and regular touring band shows" -- Fatea
"Humour forms one of the staples of his songwriting style and several of the songs use this to throw the ridiculousness of human life into sharp relief ..." -- RnR Magazine
" ... excellent wordsmith – well-crafted language... the material has that combination of continuity and creativity that is the hallmark of real tradition" – Mardles
"Powerful originals" -- Eastern Daily Press
" ...magnificent songs ... killer harmonies ..." -- Grapevine
"Great entertainers – gave us a brilliant night to remember" -- Michael Jaselsky, Waltham Abbey Folk Club
quite exceptional music and song writing ... John Ward oozes charisma energy and passionate stories Royston Folk Club
"All agreed The John Ward Trio gave us a couple of storming sets last night. The Club regulars all transfixed and appreciative. Some great comments and requests for a return visit as soon as possible” -- Bill Pardon, Waltham Abbey Folk Club
“The John Ward Trio … I was left with a feeling like wearing a warm overcoat with all the music blended within. A group worth seeking out" -- Brian Dalton, Organiser – Croydon Folk Club
“Highly skilled performers - entertaining and professional” -- Col Campbell, Organiser - Folk Coritani
"Backed by a trusty band of top-notch local musicians, this is an album [Sargasso] that doesn’t share all its beauties with you at the first time of asking, rather it rewards those that have the insight to listen again and treasure the nuances that reveal themselves like the changing colours of a glorious sunset. So it’s fair to say that I like this, and I have listened more than once, so should you" -- Maverick