Maggi, Pierce & E.J.

Hugely eclectic folk-rockers Maggi, Pierce & E.J. built a strong grassroots following through near-constant touring in the late '90s, even though their records were entirely self-released. Ranging from coffeehouse folk to rootsy rock & roll, country, jazz, pop, and the geeky, herky-jerky wing of alternative rock, MPE tied its freewheeling music together with smooth three-part harmonies and energetic concert performances in which all three members switched instruments at a dizzying pace. The group formed in Philadelphia, where Pierce and E.J. had been involved in the interracia...