June Rich makes a heartfelt return to Free at Noon

June Rich live at WXPN’s Free at Noon | Photo by Cameron Pollack | cameronpollack.500px.com

If you were heavy into the Philly music scene in the late 90’s, chances are you knew about June Rich. They emerged from Manayunk’s Grape Street Pub in 1995 and took Philadelphia by storm in just a few months.

They performed on National Public Radio’s Mountain Stage, they played the opening night of the Electric Factory, and they were the only local band that performed on the main stage at the 1996 Philadelphia Folk Festival. They were even voted Philadelphia magazine’s “Best Band in Philadelphia”.

After four  years and two studio albums, it seemed like they were going to land a record deal. Here at WXPN, we felt a tremendous amount of admiration for them – XPN’s Bruce Warren even described them as “hot and ready to be signed”. But almost in the blink of an eye, they parted ways.

Now, as the 20th anniversary of their debut album is approaching, the band has decided to reunite. They brought their unique brand of melodic, R&B-influenced pop back to WXPN for Free at Noon. Guitarists/vocalists Vanida Gail and Jackie Murphy showed the crowd why they make a great pair, with gorgeous harmonies and expressions. The band’s storytelling lyrics melted into the shimmering playing of Allen James on Guitar, the steady thump of Garry Lee on bass, and the irresistible rhythm of Tom Walling on drums.

June Rich played a set that made their fans feel like it was 1996 again, including the song “Goodnight”, which was the song that caught our attention here at WXPN.

[xpnplayer action=”audio” category=”Free At Noon” artist=”June Rich 6.12.15 ” date=”2015″ button=”yes”][/xpnplayer]

Check out photos of the set below, and be sure to catch them again at Ardmore Music Hall on June 20 for a one night only reunion show! The complete original lineup will be playing.