Charm City Junction is a Baltimore-based acoustic roots quartet that is steeped in the music of Ireland and Appalachia yet not afraid to try new sounds.

Formed in 2014, Charm City Junction is Patrick McAvinue, 2017 IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year; clawhammer banjo wizard Brad Kolodner; button accordion player Sean McComiskey; and bassist Alex Lacquement, who “drives the train, locking everything together with his commanding and tasteful choices.” While “drawing from separate musical backgrounds, the four members have found a common ground on which to develop their unique approach.”

I’m most familiar with the work of Kolodner, who in addition to hosting shows on Folk Alley, often plays in the region with his father—hammered dulcimer master Ken Kolodner. All four musicians, however, bring strong musical sensibilities to this engaging and energetic band.

The group’s most recent album is Salt Box, released in February of this year. Ain’t Gonna Work Tomorrow, from the new album, is a nice introduction to the group’s dynamics and music. McAvinue has some tasty mandolin licks on this tune, and the button accordion break showcases the way the band brings disparate sounds into a well-crafted whole.

Each member of the group gets a chance to shine on the instrumental Jaybird, from the group’s 2018 album Duckpin, while Boozy Suzy, from the same album, is a playful “leaving town” song.

The band performs frequently in the Baltimore-Washington region, most recently at Washington’s Glen Echo Park and Baltimore’s Patterson Park. They also venture out to larger venues, such as the National Folk Festival and the prestigious Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival.

To take this out, enjoy an earlier Grey Fox performance of the fiddle tune medley Torn Jacket and Come West Along the Road.

More to come . . .

DJB

Photo credit: charmcityjunction.com