Call it old-time for our times: with their infectious energy, undeniable charisma, sharp musicianship, and unique repertoire of original and traditional songs, Uncle Earl is bringing the string band legacy proudly into the modern era. The band’s national debut album, She Waits for Night, is that rare project that is enriched by tradition but never enslaved by it – at once defiantly old-fashioned and defiantly contemporary. It is a sound that bridges gaps. Steady touring over the past two years has found the band appealing equally to folk, old-time, alt-country, bluegrass, jam band, and pop audiences. No matter the perspective – the vitality and honesty of the performances on She Waits for Night – make Uncle Earl one of the most exciting and promising new bands to emerge in any genre.
In concert and on She Waits for Night, Uncle Earl members Kristin Andreassen, Rayna Gellert, Sharon Gilchrist, KC Groves, and Abigail Washburn each take a turn in the spotlight — trading instruments and lead vocals with ease. From a fast fiddle tune to an a capella gospel number (“Divine”), from a trio for banjo, fiddle, and clogging to an old brother duet or an original ballad that sounds as old as the hills (“Pale Moon”), the musical range of Uncle Earl is both surprising and wholly organic. Audiences all over the country have fallen in love with the “g'Earls” for their evident delight and camaraderie as they twist and twirl around the single microphone on stage.
Uncle Earl began in 1999, when singer/mandolinist/guitarist KC Groves and singer/guitarist Jo Serrapere recorded a CD of primarily traditional material. “We really had no intention of performing together – much less starting a band,” Groves reflects “but in order to promote the CD, we put together a small band to do a few CD release shows in Colorado and Michigan. The shows went so well and the response was so positive that we decided to keep doing shows. Even back then, there ...More...
underneath the file name (just above the picture). Spammers need not apply.
