Biography

Release Date: July 13, 2018
For more info and press inquiries, contact Charm City Junction
charmcityjunction@gmail.com
410-404-9270
https://www.charmcityjunction.com/

Baltimore-based acoustic roots quartet Charm City Junction weaves together a tapestry of tones blending Irish, Old-Time and Bluegrass influences with contemporary sensibilities. Their sophomore release, DUCKPIN, showcases the band's growth since their acclaimed debut album in 2015. Featuring six originals, a smattering of traditional tunes and a few covers, this record takes the listener on a whimsical journey spanning the serenely sublime to hilariously raucous and everything in between. Since forming five years ago, they have reached a level of intensity and sensitivity only close friends can have. Charm City Junction embodies the essence of what acoustic roots music is all about: a shared and burning passion for blazing new trails while respecting the tradition.

The opening track Duckpin, penned by clawhammer banjo wizard Brad Kolodner, kicks the record off with a bang... shall we say, a strike! Patrick McAvinue, 2017 IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year, composed The Perfect Fit, a captivating melody inspired by his recent engagement to the love of his life. Bassist Alex Lacquement adds two originals, Jaybird and Turkey Trot, the latter came to him while pondering the emotional state of the turkey pardoned by the president every year. Button accordionist Sean McComiskey contributes Jig for Annie and Farewell Tennessee, commemorating his departure from living briefly in Tennessee while finishing his doctorate in Physical Therapy. Stepping outside the box, they cover John Prine’s classic Please Don’t Bury Me, Mark Kilianski’s hilarious Boozy Suzy, and fellow Baltimorean Cris Jacobs’ Long Distance Call. The record is a perfect encapsulation of the diversity, quirkiness and enduring spirit of their home city of Baltimore affectionately known as “Charm City.”

"Carrying on the torch of interesting, rootsy music." - SiriusXM

"Baltimore-based roots group Charm City Junction puts a new spin on old-timey music, carrying the torch of fast-picking bluegrass and toe-tapping Celtic music. Featuring fiddle, clawhammer banjo, the button accordion and upright bass, this quartet isn’t afraid to take roots music to new places — but always with an eye on tradition." - The Washington Post