Charlie Wheeler Trio

The hills of Northern PA are an unforgiving place. Hailing from a small town called Ridgway, PA, the CW3 exudes a toughness and desperation that can only be cultivated in the working class environs from which they hail. Their driving brand of groove-rock is reminiscent of the Black Crowes and The Allman Brothers Band, coupled with the blunt force of Pearl Jam.

Powered by the rhythm section of Rad Akers on Drums (Big Leg Emma) and Dave Fink on Bass (That Dog In Egypt), Charlie Wheeler describes his trio as a "song first" type of band.  While expansive, improvisational jamming is a key component to their live show, their third album "Rewind" is a solid group of structured songs which allow Wheeler to tear into his vocal and lead guitar work with reckless, pent up hostility.

"The reformation of the band as a trio has been quite liberating" explains Wheeler.  "While I loved collaborating, traveling and jamming with Greek, (ex lead singer Greek Cheronis), playing in this trio has helped me find my true voice as a song-writer, a guitarist, as well as a lead vocalist.  It's been very challenging, but playing with Rad and Dave, it sure makes it easier."

The band's first two albums "Highway Run" (2008) and "Line 'Em Up!" (2012) were recorded in a 5 piece format with many different tones and textures.  The occasional horn, harmonica or synth voice used as backing tracks made for a very big sound.  Additionally, Cheronis' voice was an undeniable force.  This third offering, "Rewind", due to release on Wheeler's birthday, March 30th, 2015 uses a much more basic approach.  Relying solely on bass, guitar, drums and vocals, Wheeler, along with Producer and Engineer Anthony Brown of Graphite Studios in Warren, PA, opted to make an album with "more mud on your boots and grit on your hands" as Wheeler states.   "Rewind" uses solid songs, a healthy dose of aggressiveness and an organized looseness that comes together to form an album that is great for tailgates and workouts, and generally makes you want to drive your car too fast.

Charlie Wheeler Trio has played BB Kings, Whiskey River (Dale Jr's Club in Charlotte), Kennys Castaways in NYC, The Lafayette Tap Room in Buffalo and many other regional venues and festivals.  They have opened for The Gin Blossoms, Jimmy Thackery, Anthony Gomes, Walter Trout, Ekoostik Hookah, Devon Allman (Gregg's Son) and many others.  The Trio is currently playing live regionally in support of the album.

Home Town: 
Ridgeway, PA
Region: 
North East
Genres: 
Blues
Rock
Links
Visit Charlie Wheeler Trio on the web
Visit Charlie Wheeler Trio's Facebook page