In early 2006 the Packway Handle Band from Athens, GA went on the road full time, wowing audiences around the country with close 4-part harmonies and their precise dance around two tightly-spaced condenser mics. Formed in 2001, Packway Handle is at the national forefront of bands that use this "gather-around-the-mic techique." 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. The band's newest self-titled release reflects that energy.
If you get an idea of what The Packway Handle Band 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.
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, rack up awards, and perform alongside the likes of Ralph Stanley, Yonder Mountain String Band, The Avett Brothers, and Uncle Earl.
The Packway Handle Band consists of Tom Baker - banjo, vocals; Josh Erwin - guitar, vocals; Andrew Heaton - fiddle, vocals; Zach McCoy - bass; and Michael Paynter - mandolin, vocals.
