Gathering Time is a Long Island based folk trio who are bringing back some old Folk/Rock and protest song favorites for a new generation of activists and picketers. The 1960’s were a time of political and societal upheaval. Wars, assassinations and the civil rights movement drove people of conscience to the streets. In the United States, the First Amendment to the Constitution was put to the test with citizens exercising their right to Free Speech every day.
The age of activism is back. People have more grievances than they know what to do with in 2020 and they are taking to the streets. Gathering Time is here to provide the soundtrack. “Old Friends” is a thirteen song collection of classics from the vinyl era. The record includes cover songs by legendary artists and activists including Pete Seeger, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell and many more.
Although the record has been three years in the making, recent events in American politics and society have made its release seem all the more fortuitous. That is probably the reason the band’s pre-launch single, a cover of the Youngbloods’ 1969 hit “Get Together” made such a major impact on Folk radio upon its release earlier this year. Gathering Time’s faithful and soulful version of the song earned the #1 spot on The Folk Alliance International Folk DJ Chart for the month of July, 2020. They released the song in response to the Black Lives Matter protests, the violence that sparked them and the sharp polarization across America on so many topics.
It seemed a message that needed to be heard again, that what unites us is greater than what divides us, and that our better angels are stronger than our worst demons as a society. We are ecstatic that it has been so well received– we can’t thank the folk DJs enough for their support.
Stuart Markus, Gathering Time rhythm guitarist
In compiling the songs for “Old Friends,” the band looked for socially conscious songs and tracks that offered support and healing for the protesters. From the biblical guidance of Seeger’s “Turn, Turn, Turn” (made famous by the Byrds), to the loving wisdom of Crosby Still & Nash classic “Carry On,” the group offers inspiration for those fighting the good fight. The messages are clear; it gets better, and keep the faith.
Other song choices were maybe more subtle but still poignant. We can feel the coming winter in songs like “River” and “Hazy Shade of Winter.” Elsewhere, songs were chosen simply to make the listener feel good. For instance, the band’s serene rendition of Grateful Dead’s “Ripple” will set your mind straight.
Throughout the album, the members of Gathering Time deliver exquisite three part harmonies and beautifully understated musical performances. There is some really nice guitar playing from beginning to end. Various percussion instruments join the bass and guitars on most songs, but only when it makes sense. The undisputed stars of the show are the three voices that paint beautiful hues on this familiar tapestry.
Old Friends is Gathering Time’s fifth studio album. You can hear their version of “Carry on” on the Deep Indie Dive playlist. And follow the links below to connect with the group. Get on their socials and stay in the loop. Join the movement.
Connect:
Gathering Time on the Deep Indie Dive playlist
