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Critics Are Loving Our Music!

Read what the experts have to say about our latest bluegrass hits.
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(By Al Shusterman, KCBL Radio, Cable FM 88.7, Backroads Bluegrass)

Brand New Day is the fifth release from the group and while their music is presented with the typical instruments found in a 4-piece bluegrass ensemble, Sweet Potato Pie has elected to include a few more country-tinged songs for this project. "Quite honestly, we are all fans of the older country music," explained Sonya Stead. "We started realizing that our kids had never heard of some of the music that we grew up listening to such as Tanya Tucker, Randy Travis and even Ernest Tubb, so we thought it was about time we introduce them to the great songs that we've loved for so long and maybe put our own 'sweet-grass' style to it." As a result, Brand New Day offers several songs that were first made popular by artists such as Tanya Tucker ("Delta Dawn"), The Judds ("Rockin' With The Rhythm Of The Rain") and Ernest Tubb ("Walking The Floor"). Even so, no Sweet Potato Pie record would be complete without a generous helping of new music and this project offers six original songs; three from the pen of Sonya Stead, one from Crystal Richardson and two written by former Pie band member, Missy Pyne. Mountain Fever Records executive Mark Hodges could not be more pleased with the project. "When the ladies arrived at our studios to start recording this project, they were motivated, prepared, and just shined when the red light came on. We are thrilled to present Brand New Day to bluegrass and traditional country music fans alike."

Mark Hodges

Its been quite some time since I heard from this dynamic band. This project starts off very quickly with My Lord What a Morning sung acappella. This gives the listener a hint of what is in store for the next 45 minutes. Sweet Potato Pie definitely gives their all in creating a "one of a kind" project. This band attacks each & every song & takes you into their "special place". As listeners we may be lucky enough to go along for a ride with them. Their harmony's are to die for!! Pulling off a successful gospel project is difficult, but this band does it with ease. I found that as I played each song, I was eagerly looking forward to the next one on the project. My listeners loved everything about this project. I played the entire cd & each & every song was requested to be played again. I hope I don't wear this cd out.

Al Shusterman

KCBL Radio, Backroads Bluegrass, Sacramento, CA

After their last project “A Journey Called Life”, I wondered how this band could top that superb performance. Well, they raised the bar even higher this time and the result is 13 tracks featuring bluegrass, country, popular, and original songs fused together into one high octane 39 minute package. The project starts off with Bill Monroe’s “Sweet Blue Eyed Darling”, and as you are enjoying the lead and harmony vocals throughout the project, it suddenly stops. You’re left wondering where all the time has gone. The hallmark of this band is their “angelic voices” and you don’t want the music to end. Once you hear them, I guarantee that you will be hitting the replay button again and again. Listening to these ladies sing is “ happy habit”. They put a smile on your face the entire time this project is playing. This is a must for your music library!! I know my listeners will “eat this project up”. I’m still playing request from their last project. Sweet Potato Pie keeps getting better and better!

Al Shusterman

This place: WOW. just had the “mini” strawberry-rhubarb pie. Just WOW. Ate the whole thing in one go — with ice cream, of course. Just popped it in the oven to warm her up and boy was she ready to be eaten. Dough is amazing with the right balance of flaky vs. buttery. The strawberry rhubarb was this beyond-me mix of sweet and sour. Their butter tarts are amazing — however my expert butter tart buddy described the dough as “sandy” but the interior as amazingly gooey and dense. Coffee is splendid. I am now a true sweetie pie. Staff are kind people, particularly Sophie.

George Charron

Sweet Potato Pie is a relatively new band on the bluegrass scene featuring Sonya Stead (guitar, vocals), Missy Pyne (mandolin and vocals), Ashley Davis (fiddle) and Kevin Richardson (bass). The band has the potential to evolve into a significant voice in bluegrass music. The most promising aspect of their style is the precise vocal harmonies throughout the entire production. Eight of the thirteen selections are band member originals including “Bluegrass Girls”, “Runaway Train”, “Carolina Kisses”, and “Help My Unbelief”. Also featured are fine arrangements of “The Sweetest Gift”, “Daddy’s Hands”, and Jim & Jesse’s “Pardon Me”. Sweet Potato Pie has created an impressive array of music that should enhance their reputation.

Les Mcintyre

Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine

First time I tried this place, and found it nestled in the heart of the financial district in First Canadian Place. It’s got a ‘sweet’ vibe and offers lots of different treat options. I picked up the sprinkle and white chocolate cookie, cookies and crème cookie along with a chocolate raspberry tart. They were 10/10 delicious and highly recommend. The tart was something I’d buy again and again. Only downside is that their Nutella stuffed cookie was underwhelming. Definitely expected more Nutella but was disappointed. Won’t hold it against them given the other stuff was awesome

Andrew M

Really appreciated the vegan options! They had some baked goods such pumpkin spice muffins and date squares as well as sweet and savory pie options. I got the sour cherry pie and it was amazing! Flaky crust, tart filling with lots of whole cherries in it, the right crust-to-filling ratio. Very friendly, warm service as well - the staff were knowledgeable on vegan options and super attentive. Can’t wait to try other pie options!

Lucy Smith

Bought a strawberry rhubarb pie to bring to a family dinner yesterday evening. The pie was amazing! Delicious crust and filling, and the pie was also beautiful. Everyone was happy and was asking me where I got it. The service at the Queen Street location was also superb. I was informed without asking about the almond flour present in the pie, so that I would be aware in case of any family allergies. The staff were friendly and informative, and the quality of the pie was excellent.

Katie Aquilla

I have tried 3 of their pies - Strawberry and Rhubarb, Key Lime and Banana and all of them were phenomenal. Great crust with well made fillings. Not overly sweet at all! I can't eat super sweet desserts! To top it all off, their customer service is really good. I gifted their pies to friends too, and I've always heard rave reviews in return. Great place for pies! Actually, best in TO.

L. Umar

The vegan pot pie is so delicious! I highly recommend. The flavour I got was mushroom. I don’t usually like rosemary but it goes so well with the pie. The owner gave us a free butter tart while we were there. He said they were really good and he was not lying. It had the perfect consistency - not too gooey but not hard either. I’ll definitely be coming back!

Christine

My first experience with them turned out to be wonderful. They have sweet and also sour pies in small (one person) size and big ( family) size. I bought a Strawberry Rhubarb pie. The staff are professional. The pie was fresh and warm. The taste was great. Highly recommend.

Mary Rad

Formed in 2000, Sweet Potato Pie is Sonya Stead, guitar/vocals; Missy Pyne, mandolin vocals; Crystal Richardson, banjo/vocals' Ashley Davis, fiddle. From the orange artwork and CD that resembles a sweet potato pie to the song writing, voices, harmonies and instrumentation, everything here is sweet!

Kevin Kerfoot

Nothing's The Same

This shop is awesome! They have really great pies, especially the savory ones and their staff are all super friendly! Highly recommend. I can't want to try the banana cream pie in the summer.

Natasha Kroll

The sour cherry pie is absolutely delicious, but what I like even more than the pie is the staff, such genuinely kind and wonderful people. I always look forward to seeing them every time I take my little son to Sweet Pie for ice-cream.

Ghazal Hemmati

I went in right before close and got the chicken pot pie. It was INCREDIBLE. Buttery crust and a good amount of gravy to meat ratio. I was also given a cookie to go. It was the red velvet and just WOW. I’ll be back for sure.

Tayvia Wallen

Pies are baked perfectly. Pie crust is buttery and flakey and doesn’t stick to the sides. Savoury pies are full and delicious while fruit pies have nice chunks of fruit in the filling

David Xing

Super friendly staff and cute spot. As soon as you walk in warm welcoming and what a variety of delicious desserts. Also offered the neighbour discount, will definitely be coming here often!

Anne

I just bought a mini blueberry pie for myself for Thanksgiving yesterday, and it was perfect for 2. I will definitely be coming back to buy a pie for other special occasions.

Gauri Singh

Found the shop after my yoga class nearby and got the steak and ale savoury pie. Absolutely delicious and comforting!! Will definitely come back for their sweet pies.

Carolyn D

Ordered the pumpkin pie and it was super delicious and a big hit. Crust was so flaky and good, whipped cream was a perfect compliment to the pumpkin filler.

Jack T

Back in October, we purchases two pumpkin pies from Sweetie Pie. They were very good, highly recommended and I look forward to trying their other items too!

Jason Fung

The best little pie shop on Queen West. The staff was knowledgeable and helped picked the best pie for our Thanksgiving meal. Quick and efficient.

Wheat & Thistle

I was looking for the best lemon meringue pie in the city and I think I found it at Sweetie Pie. Their pie has the perfect amount of tartness and sweetness.

Maria Donato

These guys are amazing there butter tarts numbers pies amazing but the coconut cream pie I picked up on Sunday was the best desert I ever ate in my life

Daniel Ferrari

The blueberry pie and the cookies were delicious. And the two girl that served us were lovely! I highly recommend!

Shola Gilbert

Here for a quick brunch bite before heading for noon workout. Cute little savoury pie - go for mushroom if you are vegan.

Scarlett Chen

Awesome caramel apple cheesecake. Even better with ice-cream.

The Yarner

Got the vegan strawberry rhubarb mini pie and LOVED it!

Jolene Stahn

Pie is better with a cup of black coffee.

Charmaine Escurel
(By Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine, August 2010)
(By Diane Amov, June 2011)