By Joe Vickrey
Toto, we’re not in Nashville anymore! I consider The Samuel Charles Band to be the litmus test for someone’s knowledge of Provo music. If that guy you met on Mutual says he’s pretty into the local music scene but can’t tell you about his favorite Sam Charles song, that’s a huge red flag. ABORT. No matter what musician I end up talking to, the Sam always comes up fondly. No one has a bad time when he takes the stage and it’s easy to see why.
Utah’s premier folk-centric band is back with a new EP of live material from The Boardwalk. Releasing live music isn’t on most musicians’ agendas because of how daunting it can seem to have any minor slip caught on tape, but the SCB (no one calls them that) makes it sound effortless and fun. In fact, the group sounds flawless. Sam and Alice’s voices blend beautifully, the rhythm section is tight, and the arrangement of each instrument feels carefully crafted and precisely executed.
Outside of the guitar wielding, harmonica slinging, sweet-singing frontman namesake, the band is made up of all-stars from the surrounding area. Sam’s vocals are backed by Alice Judd, whose live harmonies are breathtaking, if not awe-inspiring. Her brother Nathan plays the bass, Josiah Mangum commands the drums, and lastly, Jared Ferrin soars in his element on lead guitar.
It should be noted too that Sam helps run the open mic nights at Java Junkie every Thursday as well as the bi-weekly Lampshade Acoustic Nights, Jared’s band FERRIN recently won Velour’s Battle of the Bands, and Nathan and Alice Judd have also both had their own Rugs Unplugged sessions, but I was told it’s “No big deal.” Sure thing, Sam. Whatever you say.
Beginning with a rolling bassline and a hiccuping high hat beat, “David” casually showcases each member’s abilities. The melody is infectious, and the background vocal “Ah ah ah aaah’s” have been stuck in my head for the last week.
From the lighthearted gospel-themed lyrics of “Exodus” and “The Natural Man” to notes of heartbreak in “Baggage,” the group cover a lot of ground in just six short songs. The Christian metaphors that run throughout Sam’s songs make for interesting lyrical dialogue that can be enjoyed for the believer and non-believer alike. Who doesn’t love a good David and Goliath analogy after all?
Jared Ferrin’s guitar playing is an especially sweet cherry on top. Whether adding texture or soloing, he knows right where to be. The pseudo country bends and twangy runs of “The Natural Man” made it one of my favorite moments from the group to date. The song was so fun that I found my toe tapping as my laceless converse transformed into cowboy boots. Yeehaw, gang.
Transitioning to “Hand in Hand” is an almost unfair change of pace for listeners as the party ends and reminds you she’s never coming back. Roses wilt in vases of tears as the band reminds you that they can command the room’s emotion.
Join with me in protesting any future Samuel Charles Band shows that aren’t recorded. Six songs just aren’t enough for how good the group is. I’m waiting for the double live album to drop. If the group aimed to tease listeners into coming out to more shows then I think their strategy worked because I’m jonesing for more. Kudos to Provo’s slice of Nashville on a wonderful new EP, and here’s to many more.
Be sure to follow Samuel Charles on Instagram to find out when you can see this magnificence live for yourself and check out “The Natural Man” below!