The beauty of Broken Blossoms is that they're new and familiar at once, with a style rooted in tradition, yet rejuvenated by unique arrangements--a contemporary convergence of the dark lyricism found in old-time Appalachian string band music and the textural sensitivity of modern folk-pop.
Broken Blossoms represents the unification of a quintet of highly recognizable performers in Boston's celebrated folk-music circuit. Its members were gathered by gifted songwriter and guitarist, Andy Cambria, as a support band for several of the city's singer-songwriters. A band dynamic quickly emerged, and the group decided to venture out on their own.
Cambria recruited mandolin player and recent Berklee College of Music alum, David Goldenberg, bassist/hammered dulcimer wizard, Simon Chrisman and banjo player, Charles Rose, throughout 2008. The group subsequently invited friend and fiddle virtuoso (also the current Grand National Fiddle Champion), Kimber Ludiker, into the fold, rounding out the lineup--a decision the Boston GLOBE noted "doesn't exactly hurt."
Although the members of the band have impressive personal resumes, with performances on such legendary stages as Grey Fox, Wintergrass, Rockygrass, The Birchmere, The Grand Master Fiddle Championship, Falcon Ridge and Club Passim to their credit, it is their strength and style as a unit that's made an instant impact on Boston's roots-music scene. Talent buyer, Geoff Bartley, operator of Boston's bluegrass Mecca, The Cantab Lounge, describes them thusly: "Every time I hear this band, they're tighter, deeper and more poised. The vocals and refined songwriting, steeped in traditional roots and bluegrass, vault the group into another category. Look out—these folks could become well-known very fast."
Their debut EP, Broken Blossoms, was released in August, 2009.
