The Charlie Wheeler Band is the go-to band you’ve been looking for, but haven’t been able to find. Their music, a medicine for the day-to-day grind, seemingly fits to the rarity of most occasions. Whether driving across the country for a concert, picking up your kids late from school, or staring deep in the reflection of an empty bottle of Jameson, the vibe of CWB is one that comforts a number of life steps. A hard-rock blend of grit and grace, with lyrics that can at times be light, heavy, deep, and even pretty funny, the band’s songs tell stories of life, love, and living on the edge.
Tucked away in northern Pennsylvania, the rock trio delivers ripping guitar jams, emphatic songwriting skills, and a high energy concert experience that’s so infectious it’ll have you partying later than you thought you could. The band’s hard-driving, blue-collar soul music is reminiscent of the Black Crowes and The Allman Brothers Band, coupled with the blunt force of Pearl Jam. With said influences coming from all corners, it can only be certain that the band’s sound proclaims an authenticity that speaks to the likes of many.
The Charlie Wheeler Band exudes a toughness that can only be cultivated in the working class environs from which they’ve emerged. Powered by the rhythm section of Rad Akers on drums (Big Leg Emma) and Dave Fink on bass (That Dog In Egypt), guitarist Charlie Wheeler describes the band as a “song first” type of band. Also writing most of the lyrics himself, Wheeler most definitely proves this persona on stage. With songwriting that is entertaining, even a little irreverent at times, the Charlie Wheeler Band never disappoints with a powerhouse show and sick guitar jams.
While expansive, improvisational jamming is a key component to their live show. But it’s on the band’s studio recordings that their organic musical personalities are able to properly display themselves. With deep emphasis on rock and roll, Charlie Wheeler Band exudes inspiration from blues, folk, and the dirty bar down the street. On October 7, they’ll be releasing their fourth studio album Blues Karma and The Kitchen Sink. Live For Live Music is thrilled to premiere a bluesier track from the 2016 release, “Promise of Daylight”, exclusively here:
Explains Wheeler of his love for songwriting, “Isn’t it great when you find a new artist and you get so into them that you just can’t stop listening? Sometimes I’ll go two weeks with the same new album. Conversely, there are times when I become extremely frustrated with a lack of new music in my mp3 player. I become somewhat despondent during these times. For me as a songwriter, this frustration seems to drive a lot of creative energy. It may sound selfish, but I tend to write music in a style that I want to hear.” He continues,“It’s not uncommon for me to write and record a song so that I have something to listen to while I am mowing the grass. It turns out that this frustration produces some good music. It’s really a cruel juxtaposition. But when I share it with my friends, family and fans, they keep hitting me up for more.”
To celebrate the upcoming release, Charlie Wheeler Band will be heading to the Rex Theatre in Pittsburgh, PA for a night of rock, soul, and Pink Talking Fish on October 7th. Tickets to the event are available here.
For more information about Charlie Wheeler Band and their tour schedule, visit the band’s website.
