New Release: Gathering Days by Charming Axe, June 1, 2014

Appalachia never sounded so good. Chicago’s Charming Axe have recorded a set of originals and covers for Gathering Days that is sure to lower your blood pressure and heighten your musical IQ. These folksy, bluegrassy gems, with harmonies and brilliant musicianship, will restore your faith in beautiful music. After leaving the rock and roll touring world, former Elvis Brother Rob Newhouse found his way to the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, where he’s been teaching since 1998. This was also where he met Eugenia Elliott and Hannah Hill. The rest is magical history.

Defining the band as Americana is safe. More specifically, the trio’s Bandcamp page spells out their sound even better: “Charming Axe music spans bluegrass, country, and folk and roots, with an emphasis on three part harmony, accompanied by guitar, mandolin, fiddle, upright bass, and others. Their songs range from forlorn, heartfelt love songs and a cappella ballads to uptempo.”

Opening track “Close Your Eyes” (James Taylor) is a two-minute beauty with harmonies that will try to break your heart. “Beyond the Blue” channels Crosby, Stills & Nash at their peak, and that’s no exaggeration (and no small feat). “Supper Song” and “Price I Pay” are knee-slappers that will get your heart a-pumping, further showcasing the trio’s range. Another cover, Jules Shear’s “All Through the Night,” is a masterful reworking, as is Earl Montgomery’s “One of These Days.”

The collective experiences and songwriting talents of this charming trio, as well as those incredible harmonies, make Gathering Days one of 2014’s most listenable albums. Newhouse, Elliott, and Hill shine on the Porter Wagoner/Dolly Parton tune “The Pain of Loving You.” They sing of heartache, yes, but on a higher plain (and with more instruments). This is true American music and should be on every radio.

“Where Are You Tonight I Wonder,” written by the great Andy M. Stewart, captures the Celtic soul of the original, but it’s done so well it sounds like a Charming Axe creation. Producer Rich Rankin has done a masterful job in making this sound like a Grammy nominee (along with adding his mandolin, percussion, and keyboarding skills). Rob Anderlik on dobro and Andrew Wilkins on bass add to the rich and wonderful sound.

Gathering Days is a breath of fresh air that does not pale with multiple listenings. For more information, go to Charming Axe. To purchase, visit the group’s Bandcamp page.