Parsonsfield (band)
| Parsonsfield | |
|---|---|
 Parsonsfield in New York City, 2016 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Connecticut |
| Genres | Folk, Rock |
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Labels | |
| Website | parsonsfield.com |
| Members |
|
Parsonsfield is a multi-genre band founded in 2011 in Mansfield, Connecticut. The band consists of Chris Freeman (lead vocals, banjo), Max Shakun (guitar), Harrison Goodale (bass), Antonio Alcorn (mandolin), and Erik Hischmann (drums). The original members met while attending the University of Connecticut. The name comes from the town of Parsonsfield, Maine, where they recorded their debut album.[1] The band tours in the USA and Canada from their base in Leverett, Massachusetts.[2]
History
Beginnings
The band began as an offshoot of the university's folk music club. Chris Freeman, Antonio Alcorn, and others met weekly in the student union to play traditional music. The gatherings were open to anyone, and didn't hold any performances; nevertheless in late 2010, through a misunderstanding, members of the club were offered an opening set at Toad's Place in New Haven, Connecticut.
Freeman and Alcorn put together an impromptu band, and soon recruited music students Harrison Goodale (bass) and Max Shakun (guitar) to continue playing shows.[1]
Signature Sounds
In 2013 the band signed to Signature Sounds Recordings and released their self-titled debut album, Poor Old Shine, recorded in Parsonsfield, Maine.[3] Erik Hischmann, the session drummer hired for the album, joined the band soon after recording was completed.[4]
In July 2014 the band changed its name to Parsonsfield.[5] The following month marked the band's second studio release, Afterparty EP, featuring covers of songs by Mississippi John Hurt, Bert Jansch, and Huey Lewis and the News, as well as traditional songs and one original.[6]
In September 2016 the band released its third studio album, Blooming Through The Black.[7]
Film, Television & Theater
In winter 2013, and winter 2014–spring 2015, Parsonsfield wrote and performed an original soundtrack to The Heart of Robin Hood, a theatrical production playing eight shows per week in Cambridge, Winnipeg, and Toronto.[8] After returning from Canada, the band relocated to Leverett, Massachusetts.[2]
In March 2016 Weeds or Wildflowers, track 1 on Poor Old Shine, was featured on AMC's The Walking Dead (Season 6, Episode 12).[9]
In September 2016, Parsonsfield wrote and performed an original score for the 1922 silent documentary Nanook of the North.[10]
Members
In live performances, members of the band all sing, and often switch instruments and trade places on stage. Besides their primary instruments, various members play saw, synthesizer, glockenspiel, melodica, and auxiliary percussion.[11]
- Chris Freeman – banjo, guitar, pump organ
- Max Shakun – guitar, pump organ, synthesizer
- Antonio Alcorn – mandolin, banjo
- Harrison "Whale" Goodale – upright and electric bass
- Erik Hischmann – drums
Other Work
Hischmann (drums) is credited as assistant engineer for The Beast In Its Tracks (Josh Ritter),[12] Bad Self Portraits (Lake Street Dive),[13] and various other albums including Poor Old Shine.[3]
Discography
- Poor Old Shine (2013)
- Afterparty EP (2014)
- Blooming Through The Black (2016)
References
- 1 2 "Meet Parsonsfield.". No Depression. 2014-07-30. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
- 1 2 "A Minute In the Pioneer Valley with Parsonsfield". The Bluegrass Situation. 2016-10-03. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
- 1 2 "Poor Old Shine, by Parsonsfield". Parsonsfield. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
- ↑ erikhischmann (2013-06-26). "Sellersville Theatre". Erik Hischmann. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
- ↑ "Formerly Poor Old Shine". PopMatters. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
- ↑ "Afterparty (EP), by Parsonsfield". Parsonsfield. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
- ↑ "Album Premiere: Parsonsfield, Blooming Through The Black". American Songwriter. 2016-09-07. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
- ↑ HAMAD, MICHAEL. "Parsonsfield Grateful For Its 'Robin Hood' Good Fortune". courant.com. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
- ↑ Egner, Jeremy (2016-03-06). "‘The Walking Dead’ Season 6, Episode 12: Cookies, Zombie Heads and a Misguided Maggie". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
- ↑ "Nanook of the North and Parsonsfield make a perfect match at FreshGrass | Berkshire Local". Retrieved 2016-12-11.
- ↑ Corsano, Joanne. "2016 Concerts ~ Parsonsfield ~ at NicePace NoteBook". nicepace.net. Retrieved 2016-12-11.
- ↑ The Beast In Its Tracks [Deluxe Edition] (LP), retrieved 2016-12-07
- ↑ Bad Self Portraits (CD), retrieved 2016-12-07