After self-releasing their first recording, The Angel Band’s second effort is their first on by Appleseed Recordings as well being their first recording produced by Lloyd Maines. “With Roots & Wings“ showcases the stunning vocal talents of the trio as well as quality songwriting and the craftsmenship of perhaps the finest “backup” band in existence!

The Angel Band is a trio featuring Nancy Josephson, Jen Schonwald and newest member Kathleen Weber. The group traces their roots to a weekly blues and bluegrass jam session at a small club in Wilmington, Delaware. Nancy moved to Wilmington in 2002 with her husband David Bromberg. Bromberg, after spending the 1970’s constantly touring, all but retired from the performing music scene and became a violin maker. He was convinced to move with Nancy to Wilmington where he opened a violin shop and became an artist-in-residence for the community. After joining the weekly jam session, David invited Nancy to come down and sing with the group. The artists she met that first night became the basis of the Angel Band.

Nancy was no stranger to the music scene. Her voice, and bass playing, was a staple with groups such as the Buffalo Gals, Arlo Guthrie, Peter Rowan, Fiddle Fever and of course – the David Bromberg Band. When Nancy and David moved to Chicago in 1980 (while David was learning the craft of violin making), Nancy joined a local choir. When the choir disbanded, Nancy turned toward the visual arts, and raising two children with David.

Inspired by the jam sessions, the group evolved into The Angel Band, taking the name from the bluegrass gospel classic song. Jenn Schonwald, a veteran of the vibrant Philadelphia folk music scene and former member of the band Full Frontal Folk, joined the Angel Band just before they would begin their first recording.

In 2004 the group self-released a CD that contained mostly covers of bluegrass and country songs. At the same time, David Bromberg began laying down tracks that would become his first CD in over twenty years – the Grammy nominated “Try Me One More Time“.

With their first CD gaining attention, the Angel Band went through another lineup change and Kathleen Weber became the third member of the trio. Kathleen grew up performing in the Lehigh Valley and was a member of the Moravian Women’s choir. With Kathleen on board, the trio had perfected the deep harmonic sound that bursts through on their new CD.

“With Roots and Wings” features mainly original songs, a majority created by Nancy Josephson. The first song she ever wrote is the second track on the CD – the Cajun flavored romp “I’ll Sing this Song For You“. The trio explores many facets of American roots music with their music and gives an opportunity for their backup band to shine. Given the nickname of “Chum”, the backup band consists of David Bromberg (enjoying his role as sideman once again!), fiddler and Bromberg band alumini Jeff Wisor, Philadelphia-based bluegrass artist Bobby Tangrea, as well as local musicians Bob Taylor and Nate Grower. They offer a combination of subtlety and substance and allow the trio to carry the spirit of the recording.

One of the Nancy Josephson songs featured on the new CD is “We Are Shepherds“, created in response to President Bush’s troop surge. Without becoming a political diatribe, the song conveys the feelings of a mother and their committment to protect their own troops – their children.

Jen Schonwald gives one of the recordings most emotional performances on “Place of Grace“, a song that shares the emotional toil of a couple staying together for the sake of their children.

The Angel Band shares a lowdown gospel blues feel on “Drown in the Fountain of Blood“accompanied by Bromberg on a National steel guitar. The group goes back to their bluegrass beginnings as Kathleen Weber leads them on “Cold Lonesome Down in Blackbird Creek“.

One song was re-recorded for the new CD, the classic “Angel in the Morning“. I’ve been in love with this song since I first heard Merillee Rush introduced it in the late 60’s. The Angel Band recorded it on their first LP, but this new version shows the growth the band has experienced in a relatively short time.

The closer is a raucus piece called “Jump Back in the Ditch“. Bromberg’s steel guitar becomes another voice in this performance. They are joined by special guest Terri Hendrix (whose latest CD was also produced by Lloyd Maines.)

If you have been lucky enough to see the Angel Band, live on stage, you will not be disapointed in their studio recording. Their performances at the Philadelphia Folk Festival, Bonaroo, and Merle Fest cemented their reputation and have become highly prized among tapers. The spirit and energy of their shows is captured along with their well crafted selection of songs on “With Roots and Wings”. Lloyd Maines deserves praise for his ability to showcase the Angel Band on this well produced recording.

The Angel Band will be appearing at Joe’s Pub on Tuesday May 27th, and they will appear alongside David Bromberg at BB King’s on Wednesday May 28th.