Name: Old Friends by GatheringTime
Duration: 2 min 46 s
Description: A uniquely arranged version of the Simon & Garfunkel classic

A uniquely arranged version of the Simon & Garfunkel classic

Old Friends

Start with the spirit of Peter, Paul & Mary; add the vocal complexity of Crosby, Stills & Nash, throw in a bit of the Byrds and a jot of Joni Mitchell, and you have Gathering Time – a head-turning harmony trio that WFUV's John Platt calls "among the top performers in the New York metropolitan area," and which was voted one of "Long Island's Best" in a Long Island Press readers' poll. 

With their seamless vocal blend, precision guitar playing and inspired percussion, Stuart Markus, Hillary Foxsong and Gerry McKeveny display deep roots in 1960s folk and folk-rock, with a healthy dose of traditional folk in the mix. Their stage chemistry makes it clear that they take the music (if not themselves) very seriously, with an infectious energy that wins over even fans who never considered themselves folkies. 

Bob McKillop of MaineFolkMusic.com writes, "Gathering Time ... has perfected two separate but related art forms: three part harmony and having a ball on stage! When they harmonize, some sort of fundamental, cosmic concordance occurs that makes you very happy that you have ears.” 

WFUV's John Platt adds that they are "among the finest performers in the New York metropolitan area, whatever the size of the venue, from a house concert to an outdoor festival," with "harmonies that can charm the birds out of the trees, strong original songs, and a savvy repertoire of cover songs, ranging from traditional folk to classic rock. They appeal to audiences of all ages." 

From Tricentric showcases at NERFA 2009 and 2010 and a Formal showcase in 2011 to an Emerging Artist showcase at Falcon Ridge 2012 at which they were voted "Most Wanted" to return in 2013, it's clear that word has begun to spread. 

Chance encounters led to the group's formation in the summer of 2006; their first release, a remake of Peter Yarrow's "Light One Candle" in 2007, received international airplay and is still a staple of Chanukah radio. Since then, they have released three full CDs, Songs of Hope and Freedom (2009), Red Apples and Gold (#5 on the Folk DJ chart for Oct., 2012), and the recently released When One Door Closes... . 

The reaction of the New Jersey Folk Project's Margaret Crowl, who emceed the trio opening for Aztec Two-Step, is typical: ""Isn't it a great thing about folk music, that you can come to a venue ... see a band you've never heard of, and get blown away?!" 

In March, 2013, Gathering Time welcomed Long Island music veteran Gerry McKeveny, who brings even greater heights of guitar wizardry to the group's signature vocal sound. 
