Press

DAILY FREEMAN REVIEW
ARTIST: Angel Band

ALBUM: “Shoot the Moon” (Big iDeer Records)

“Angel Band” is the name of a classic, timeless tune by the Stanley Brothers, a mournful yet beautiful acoustic based song that never fails to hit home.

Fittingly, the group Angel Band holds many of these attributes. Based in Wilmington, Del., the band has ties to this area, and has played the legendary Midnight Ramble at Leven Helm’s studio.

Led by singer Nancy Josephson along with singers Aly Paige and Kathleen Weber, and musicians Bob Taylor (bass) Marc Moses (mandolin) and Josh Kanusky (drums), the group got it’s start performing as opening act and backing singers for Josephson’s husband, world-renowned roots musician David Bromberg (who plays on many tracks here as well) at Bonnaroo, Merlefest, the Philadelphia Folk Festival and other high profile events.

Now Angel Band is stepping out on their own and making their mark at prestigious venues all over.

Harmony singing is king here, and this mainly Americana fare is in fine fettle on latest release, “Shoot The Moon,” like the gorgeous “Love Lives Here” That said, this collection is not limited to delicate folk tunes. More forceful fare, like the fierce “House of Right” (a song the Dixie Chicks wish they had) and the Rolling Stones-like positive-vibe ode “My Favorite Thing Is Everything” make strong statements. The smoky jazz of “Can Katie Come Back to The Shack” (a real vocal showcase) is a highlight, as is the soul-drenched cover of warhorse “Bring It On Home To Me” and the bluesy stomp of “Keep Pushin,” while the haunting title track “Shoot The Moon” is swampy and mysterious.

This is what happens with great voices, great musicians and great songs collide-pure pleasure.

Very well done.

The Angel Band will be playing Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble this Saturday and at Bethel Woods the following Friday.
9/9/11, David Malachowski, Music reviewer for The Daily Freeman


"Shoot the Moon" New Third Release from Angel Band
CD Release Date: Sept 9, 2011
"Shoot the Moon" New Third Release from Angel Band
“The exuberance and power in the trio’s singing is overwhelming, thankfully each singer having a chance to also lead the ensemble and show the musical colors each contributes to the heady blend.”
– Evan Hodge, Americana Roots
Angel Band sounds more earthy than ethereal. . . . You can feel the flesh and blood pulsate through the music as they harmonize. . .”
– Steve Horowitz, PopMatters.com
Big signature, rootsy, bluesy Americana songs with a super back-up band and the “no-holds barred” vocals of Nancy Josephson, Kathleen Weber, and Aly Paige come through loud and strong on this most anticipated third new album, “Shoot the Moon” (to be released on Sept 1, 2011). The stories, the music, the soaring harmony meld together making all the stars align. On “Shoot the Moon” Angel Band once again works their blend of musical magic to conjure a celestial celebration of authentic, heartfelt and soulful songs.
Along with musicians Marc Moss (co-writer with Josephson, guitar, mandolin and accordion) Bob Taylor (bass) and Josh Kanusky (drums) these three sirens take flight. Whether hip deep in the simmer of Kathleen’s burning vocal on “Hard Work on Miracle Mountain” or riding the edge where folk meets pop in “House of Right” Angel Band traverses a vast musical array of styles with a “take no prisoners” attitude. The heart melting “Love Lives Here” an ode to the lovely surprise of finding one’s true love sits comfortably next to Nancy’s vocal on “Big Big World”…an anthemic slow groove that tells small stories of delighting in what the world has to offer.
World class multi-instrumentalist, David Bromberg, lends a hand on several tunes supplying mad skills on dobro on “Shoot the Moon” (title track) as well as “Heart in the Middle” a joyous celebration of knowledge gained over time. The killer Sam Cook cover, “Bring it on Home to Me” gives Aly’s strong vocals and David’s impeccable electric guitar a chance to spar in musical dance. Also contributing is Bromberg’s Big Band fiddler, Nate Grower and some additional gorgeous guitar work from Christie Lenee.
“Shoot the Moon” is already making headway as another successful Angel Band release following the 2010 release of “Bless My Sole” AB fans will definitely be satisfied keeping Angel Band’s “Shoot the Moon” a favorite on their play list.

Contact: Nancy Austin, Studio Red Hook Management
naustin@studioredhook.com
845-802-6515