CharFlies
St. Louis - Missouri - United States

It took a bonfire, booze, a second divorce, and the perfect harmony partner to pull RICHARD NEWMAN from his long hiatus, a fifteen-year musical funk. The poet, playwright, and editor of River Styx magazine had barely picked up his guitar in the years since his bands Junkbox and The Neverminds were staples of the St. Louis music scene. But one night while drinking by a firepit, he and his pal SHANIE LATHAM started singing George Jones, Beatles, and Jimmy Dale Gilmore songs. Their sound triggered an avalanche of dormant songwriting.

A few months later, multi-instrumentalist and visual artist NICK NIHIRA joined them on bass, banjo, and vocals, creating a harmony-based Appalachian bluegrass folk-pop. Initially the trio christened themselves The Jarflies, but the night before their first show, Nick’s house burned to the ground, all his instruments, artwork, and worldly possessions gone to ash and smoke. Thereafter they became The CharFlies. Richard phoned his former Junkbox bandmate DAVE MELSON, of Melody Den and numerous other bands throughout the years, and Dave joined them on upright bass. The foursome released an EP, Blowfish Rodeo, in July 2013. Percussionist STEVE MEYERS, formerly of Psychedelic Barnyard with Nick, joined the band in 2014 during production of their first full-length CD and newest release, Linoleum Angel.

Divorces, fires, breakups, surgeries, and highway accidents haven’t deterred this unlikely band of musicians. They use their humor and misfortunes to cobble together what they call junk-folk—their own brand of Americana that draws on bluegrass, gospel, psychedelic pop, avant garde, country, and blues and keeps evolving. Any given song from Linoleum Angel or their live set could include mandolin, accordion, banjo, slide guitar, washboard, kick-drum, melodica, toy piano, harmonica, fiddle, campfire pots, and three-, four-, and five-part harmony. Psychedelic bluegrass? Hobopop? Junk-folk? Whatever you call it, three years, fifty songs, and a new album after that fateful night by the firepit, The CharFlies keep evolving and growing and singing the joys and sorrows of the world.

 

 

TESTIMONIALS & PRESS

“The CharFlies are ready to take their place in the top ranks of St. Louis bands at a time when St. Louis is swarming with talent. The new record, Linoleum Angel, is a rock-solid collection of infectious songs walking the border between folk and complex pop/rock made even better by lyrics as clever and deep as the music. Banjos, mandolins, acoustic guitars, upright bass, and an assortment of percussive instruments make for a rich sound that refuses to kowtow to any limitations one would expect to hear from such traditional elements. It's worthwhile listening for anybody who wants smart, emotionally resonant music.”

~Steve Pick, host of Sound Salvation, 88.1 KDHX, St. Louis

 

 

“Those who complain about a shortage of new or original music may want to check out the CharFlies for a pleasant surprise.”

~Linda Jarrett, West End Word, Dec. 4, 2013

 

Linoleum Angel

Label: www.charflies.com

Genres: Folk, Country

Styles: Folk, Alternative Folk, Folk Rock, Classic Country, Cowboy Western, Contemporary Folk, Americana Country

Songs on the Album

Track # Song Title Style Genre

Blowfish Rodeo

Label: CharFlies Music

Genres: Folk

Styles: Contemporary Folk, Alternative Folk

Songs on the Album

Track # Song Title Style Genre
1 Last Ones Home Contemporary Folk Folk
2 If I Had a Quarter Contemporary Folk Folk
3 Heaven Lake Contemporary Folk Folk
4 Tiny Town Contemporary Folk Folk
5 Unlucky in Love Contemporary Folk Folk
6 Anyway & Anyhow Alternative Folk Folk
7 Under the Bone-White Sky Contemporary Folk Folk