Biography

Charm City Junction’s third studio release Salt Box is as much a tribute to their beloved hometown of Baltimore as it is a demonstration of the band’s growth as they pass the decade mark. The record is named for the salt-filled wooden crates lining Baltimore’s streets in the winter. Open the Salt Box and listeners find a signature blend of Charm City Junction’s finest Old-Time, Irish and Bluegrass-inspired seasonings. On the one hand, they’re steeped in tradition while on the other, fiercely innovative. Their unusual instrument tapestry of banjo, fiddle, accordion and bass is complemented by their dazzling originals, thoughtfully crafted traditional selections and three-part harmony singing.

Patrick McAvinue - fiddle, mandolin, vocals
Brad Kolodner - banjo, triangle, vocals
Alex Lacquement - upright bass, vocals
Sean McComiskey - button accordion

Release Date - February 2, 2024

The album opens with a barn-burning rendition of Roll On John, a song banjoist Brad Kolodner learned from the playing of Old-Time legend Mike Seeger. Brad’s ethereal composition Prairie Fire won the 2023 Mike Auldridge Instrumental Tune Contest. Accordionist Sean McComiskey takes the band on a detour to Louisiana with a Cajun-inspired version of Happy One Step with Brad picking up the triangle for that transportive late-night dance tent feel. Patrick McAvinue, the band’s IBMA-award winning fiddler, is a mighty-fine mandolinist and shows off his chops on the Flatt & Scruggs classic I Ain’t Gonna Work Tomorrow. Bassist Alex Lacquement contributes a groovy original, Scorpio’s Return, inspired by the astrological sign he shares with his bandmate Sean. The band nods to one of their favorite songwriters, John Lilly on My Love Never Sleeps, a classic love song featuring tight three-part harmonies with Alex singing lead. Brad makes his recorded songwriting debut with Let Me Roll, a song about the presence and purpose felt when making music and dancing with close friends. Patrick’s original melody Verdier is dedicated to the late Bill Verdier, an influential Irish fiddler in the Nashville area.

More about Charm City Junction: Formed in 2014, Charm City Junction has taken the roots music scene by storm performing around the country gaining high praise along the way for their high-energy, captivating and dynamic performances. Patrick McAvinue, 2017 IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year, takes charge with his virtuosic, powerful and musical approach to the fiddle. Clawhammer banjo wizard Brad Kolodner adds his playful, driving, melodic and groovy Old-Time touch. Sean McComiskey, soars through the tunes and fills the gaps with his soulful button accordion playing. The versatile bassist Alex Lacquement drives the train, locking everything together with his commanding and tasteful choices. Drawing from separate musical backgrounds, the four members have found a common ground on which to develop their unique approach. They have performed prestigious festivals including Grey Fox, Old Songs, Bristol Rhythm & Roots, Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival and an appearance at the Kennedy Center. Their prior release Duckpin debuted at #6 on the Billboard Bluegrass charts. 

For more info, booking and press inquiries, contact Brad Kolodner
bradkolodner@gmail.com
410-404-9270