Here are a few...
Thinking of things before,
Condenser mics,
Electric Bass,
Good gas mileage,
4 part harmonies,
Failure,
80's pop,
Garrison Keillor,
Different things,
etc...
"Packway Handle's strength is in its cohesiveness. Vocal Harmonies and string syncopations lock together like Legos.…" -Aspen Daily News.
It all started in Athens, Georgia in 2001 during a most peculiar spell when 5 or 6 bluegrass bands circulated the town. The famous Athens, which had once spawned the B-52s, REM, Widespread Panic, and countless other indie, pop and punk acts, was now the home to a competing minority of bluegrass players. The Packway Handle Band emerged from this small scene, finding national acclaim first as finalists at the Telluride bluegrass competition in 2002 and 2003, then taking 2nd place in 2004. The band’s 2003 debut album, “Chaff Harvest” was produced using prize awards from a local Battle of the Bands. PHB was on a roll and has continued to win over fans and rack up awards.
In early 2006 the band went on the road full time, wowing audiences across the country with close 4-part harmonies and their dance around two tightly-spaced condenser mics. The Packway Handle Band has emerged at the national forefront of bands that use this “gather around the mic” style. PHB’s second full length record “(Sinner) You Better Get Ready” was recorded this way. Theirs is not a mission to preserve historical styles—it’s just how they do what they do the best. And what they do best is rooted in thought provoking songwriting, clever choice and arrangement of bluegrass traditionals, and totally unexpected (even totally inappropriate) covers, all delivered with a crackling energy. If you get an idea of what Packway Handle is early in a show, you’ll probably change your mind several times before they’re done. But it’s obvious their enthusiasm and sense of humor are honest, and that what they do appeals to broad audiences, even those who don’t normally listen to bluegrass. Yes, they play bluegrass instruments, and hey, they even play them mostly in the bluegrass way; but you won’t find a whole lot of lyrics about rambling or trains or wagon wheels, and you’re not going to say you’ve heard this band before, unless you actually have.
Fourth Album "Atlas" Preorder Running Now! Arms and Sleepers Split EP Out December 15th, 2009 American Dollar MP3 Discography Special, Only $20 For All Four Albums! Go To: theamericandollar.bigcartel.com Thanks For Listening!
Here's some GREAT NEWS!!! I am nominated for "Best New Artist of the Year" You can vote daily for your favorite artist @ www.GrueneWithEnvy.com now through Dec. 31st Thanks for your support!
THE DIRTY OLD ONE MAN HILLBILLY-BLUES-COUNTRY-METAL BAND IS BACK ON THURSDAY FEB. 4TH AT THE RHYTHM ROOM. COLONEL J.D. WILKES/FRONTMAN OF TH' LEGENDARY CHACK SHAKERS WILL BERE WITH HIS NEW PROJECT; THE DIRT DAUBERS - SEE YOU THERE?
DON'T FORGET THE RETURN OF REVEREND PEYTONS BIG DAMN BAND w/ SODA ON THURSDAY JAN. 28TH AT THE RHYTHM ROOM. THE SCOTT H. BIRAM SHOW IS NOT TOO BE MISSED THOUGH. IT'S MANDATORY....
ALL OF THESE EVENTS INCLUDE ARTISTS THAT PERFORMED ON THE HILLGRASS BLUEBILLY RECORDS DEBUT: HIRAM & HUDDIE