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The Anger brothers sing and play both traditional and contemporary folk music. The
Angers grew up with folk music of the 60's, and that provides the foundation of their
 musical interests. Both are singer-songwriters, with several individual CDs recorded,
though each often sings and plays on the other's albums. Jim lives in Shawano and is a
teacher, while Mike lives in the Chicago area and is a doctor. But they get together to
practice and perform as much as possible. Together, they have performed in Chicago
and in the Appleton-Shawano area. Both brothers are members of the Green Apple Folk
Music Society (Appleton).

 

Sample

"Some are old; some are new. All are cool!"

"This is a collection of old (traditional) songs as well as some great new folk lyrics that evoke a wide range of thoughts and emotions. 
The use of an echo harp on Going Away really pulls the listener into the song. Away 'Cross The River is a song for our times. What a great mix of vocal and instrumental talent!"
Dan Curtin

"Family Tradition, a real Gem!" 

Jim, Mike, and Tim are to be credited for delivering the goods. Cruel War is one of the best tracks. I hope they record another CD together. 
This album is a little old school country, mixed with traditional folk.  Try it. You'll like it."

 Mr. Billy--Kids Rock & Roll Singer Songwriter

 "I have known Jim for many years and his folk style music has always been an inspiration. The inclusion of brother Mike and son-in-law Tim make this album very enjoyable. There are some great harmonies on this alum and nice picking along with vocals and a touch of harmonica. When I listen to these folks, I feel like I am listening to the Praire Home Companion radio show."

Dave Tisdale

The Anger Brothers, Jim and Mike, are contemporary and traditional folk musicians, and singer-songwriters.  They grew up listening to the folk sounds of the '60's, Ian and Sylvia, The Kingston Trio, Peter, Paul and Mary, and the like.  They perform much of that music, and much more,---but they also have found their own voices, expressed in their own contemporary original folk sounds.

Both brothers play guitar, banjo, and harmonicas; and even in their individual albums, each often adds musically to the other's CDs.   Both, at times bring in other musicians to join them vocally or instrumentally.  Both share romantic songs. Jim's songs often deal with the romance of the rails, while Mike's music often touches on affairs of the heart.  For example, one of Jim's albums is titled, "The Train's A-Comin,'" while Mike's first CD is titled "From the Heart."
 Raised in Oshkosh, WI, both went to college in the area, Mike attending Lawrence University in Appleton, WI, and Jim going to University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.  Mike started playing guitar and singing while in college.  Jim didn't start his musical career until much later, at age 30.  Mike eventually became a doctor, with a practice in the Chicago area, while Jim became a language arts instructor and reading specialist.  Jim teaches on the Menominee Indian Reservation, north of Shawano, WI. Although they live a ways apart, they get together to practice and perform together as much as their individual schedules will allow. While they like the music of many folk artists and groups, Jim and Mike agree that their major musical influence has been the folk artist Bill Staines. The music of the Anger Brothers is captured in a significant number of  albums.  Jim's albums to date include "Headin'Out," which includes songs covering a variety of topics, but definitely includes some railroading songs, the all train songs CD, "The Train's A-Comin," and a children's album, "Rainbow in the Sky."  Mike's CDs include "From the Heart," "Long Bridge:  A Wisconsin Journey," and "Sunrises, Sunsets and Seasons," which mainly tell stories of the heart.  But together, along with Jim's son-in-law Tim Herrick, they have created a joint album of both traditional songs and their originals, "Then & Now & Again."