Nashville, TN. (Top40 Charts/ Appleseed Recordings) - The aptly named
Angel Band features soaring, angelic three-part harmonies from three amazing singers-Nancy Josephson, Jen Schonwald and Kathleen Weber-each possessing a powerful, expressive voice that would make her the lead vocalist in any other band. Their sound is grounded in world-class musicianship, inventive and original songwriting and an irresistible mission to have and share a great time. That's evident on their sophomore CD, With
Roots & Wings, due out May 27 on Appleseed Recordings. Legendary producer and pedal steel player
Lloyd Maines produced and played on the album.
Angel Band first formed out of a weekly jam session headed up by Josephson's husband, GRAMMY-nominated folk music legend David Bromberg. As the band coalesced, they often served as openers and backup singers for Bromberg as he began touring after a long hiatus. He returned the favor, becoming the cornerstone of Angel Band's backing musicians. Playfully named Chum, the rest of the band is Bob Taylor (bass), Bobby Tangrea (mandolin, guitar, fiddle), Nate Grower (fiddle) and Jeff Wisor (fiddle). They were joined in the studio by Richard Crooks (drums), Bukka Allen (accordion), Marc Moss (hand drums, piano), Johnny Duke Lippincott (guitar) and Terri Hendrix (handclaps and the invaluable get down).
In a chaotic and rapidly changing music industry landscape, Angel Band focuses all their energies on the things they can control and the things that they believe in-making great music and hitting the road to perform and connect with fans. With the release of With Roots & Wings, the band will continue to tour as opener for Bromberg, as well as playing an increasing number of concerts on their own.
Josephson is remarkably succinct and straightforward in detailing the band's vision for broadening their audience. She says, 'We play. The best part of Angel Band is the authenticity we bring to the music...in performance, writing, musical integrity...flexible yet uncompromising.'
Angel Band's fearless and open-minded exploration of both music and theme is winning the band fans everywhere, including some high profile ones. Legendary singer Linda Ronstadt raves, 'I love Angel Band's harmonies, wonderfully strong voices, and beautiful songs!'
David Dye, host of NPR-syndicated World Cafe, has his finger on the pulse of the hottest things happening in the acoustic music scene. He says, 'The stunning harmonies are just the beginning. Fine writing, three distinct voices, and Lloyd Maines tying it all together.'
The initial two tracks are an ear-opening declaration that Angel Band does not believe in boundaries. With Roots & Wings leads off with 'Hey Papa Legba,' an Afro-world-beat a cappella tour de force that segues into the breakneck Zydeco of 'I'll Sing This Song For You.' It's a jump that in less capable hands would not work, but Angel Band makes it a seamless transition. It is a bold move and one that pays off as it immediately gives the listener a sense of the depth and breadth of the band's musical style. Both songs are originals, as are 12 of the album's 13 tracks.
It all adds up to a wildly eclectic, yet tightly cohesive sound. It is a sound that leads the listener to one undisputable conclusion: Let these angels sing, let them soar.
