Reviews
Artist:Angel Band
Album:With Roots And Wings
Label:Appleseed
Tracks:13
Website:http://www.angelband.net/
The Angel Band are Nancy Josephson (who claims most of the writing credits), Jen Schonwald and Kathleen Weber, who before they came together had an extensive music background between them. They are accompanied by Chum, their backing band.
Interestingly, The origin of the Angel Band was a weekly jam session hosted by Josephson's husband David Bromberg. They often backed up Bromberg as he returned to touring. Bromberg (guitars and dobro) is now the lead of Chum, joined by Bobby Tangrea - mandolin, guitar and fiddle, Jeff Wisor and Nate Grower on fiddle and Bob Taylor on bass. Their contributions are best showcased on JUMP BACK IN THE DITCH.
The three women alternate lead vocals to create a stirring collection of folk, soul and gospel harmonies which literally take you, as the listener, to another place.
The CD begins, unusually, with an a'cappella introductory track. We are then thrown straight into I'll Sing This Song For You," which can only be described as a hillbilly style love song, in which Nancy promises to do any number of things to get the man upon whom she has set her sights.
It's followed by the contrasting sadness of a crumbling relationship in "Place Of Grace". This is ostensibly a ballad, which gives Josephson a chance to show female vulnerability in the way she sings, yet strength through the lyrics. A very clever piece of writing, especially juxtaposed as it is next to the upbeat style of the previous song. "Cold Lonesome Down In Blackbird Creek" contains all the elements of a traditional country song The harmonies on this track are what make it stand ou; Kathleen Weber and Jen Schonwald getting to share the lead vocals.
"Moon Over Montgomery" is the story of a single mom struggling to raise her kids right on the wrong side of town. The story is beautifully told as the song unfolds. By the end, you almost feel that you have met this woman and want things to work out for her.
This CD has the potential to get Angel Band noticed and who knows where there wings will take them from here………
Helen Mitchell