If you enjoy the classic folk/folk-rock songs of yesteryear, then you’ll LOVE this new album from Long Island, NY-based trio, Gathering Time. ‘Old Friends’ is composed of 13 reimagined covers of well-known, 60s/70s hits performed brilliantly by Gathering Time. From start to finish, Gathering Time is completely in sync and proves that timeless music never dies and never gets old.
Gathering Time is made up three members: Stuart Markus, Hillary Foxsong and Gerry McKeveny. Together, these New York musicians gel like a well-oiled machine with no signs of any dents or scratches on the surface. Gathering Time brings to the table top-of-the-line harmonizing along with magnificent melodies on their new release, ‘Old Friends’. As soon as you hit play, the listener will get lost within the music where time will stop and ‘Old Friends’ gather.
The record starts up with a great song and golden oldie by The Byrds called “Turn Turn Turn”. This is an excellent rendition by Gathering Time and invites the listener back to an era that was a bit simpler. Next, we hear “Hurry Sundown” originally recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary and I have to say that this track is vocally sound and simply pleasing to the ears. Get ready for a Youngbloods classic up next with “Get Together” that offers non-stop, comforting vibes. Track four, “Hazy Shade of Winter”, pays homage to Simon & Garfunkel with a superb performance both vocally & musically. You will experience the glorious sounds of Joni Mitchell on “River” where Gathering Time delivers a beautiful performance that will soothe your mind, body & soul. Track six, “If You Could Read My Mind”, is a Gordon Lightfoot number and Gathering Time is just spot on with a perfect harmony in place. Moving along, the listener will receive one groovy feel on “You Were On My Mind” originally performed by We Five. Track eight, “At Seventeen”, gives off an enticing style that will instantly draw you in and latch onto your eardrums. This Janis Ian song provides a commanding vocal delivery along with stellar instrumentation that hooks you right in. For all of you Dion DiMucci fans, “Abraham, Martin, And John” will be soaring high in your minds as the trio plays their hearts out. Track 10, “And When I Die”, is a real, mover-and-shaker-type tune that will have you clapping along to the original sounds of Blood, Sweat and Tears. “Ripple” is a Grateful Dead song and Gathering Time invites you into a world of constant, peaceful surroundings. We get another Simon & Garfunkel cover with the title track, “Old Friends” where the Long Island trio gives off such a delicate touch vocally that can be compared to a feather floating in the air ever so gracefully. Gathering Time ends the 13-song set with one of my favorites originally done by Crosby, Stills & Nash called “Carry On”. I am a big fan of CSN and in my opinion is one of the best pure harmony groups around! So, with that being said I have to say that Gathering Time lived up to their greatness by nailing the song from a vocal standpoint. Gathering Time certainly did “Carry On” the torch for Crosby, Stills & Nash and appeared to have all the right ingredients in place to make up the ultimate audio recipe.
This new record dropped on September 01, so you must go grab a copy of ‘Old Friends’ now to relive and revisit a golden age in music. Gathering Time proves that classic folk and folk rock still have a special place in this world to be enjoyed and appreciated by music enthusiasts everywhere! I can honestly say that Gathering Time breathed new life into these timeless songs of the past as ‘Old Friends’ can create new fans for generations to come!
https://www.gathering-time.com/
By Jimmy Rae – https://skopemag.com/?s=Jimmy+Rae
