josh@packwayhandle.com

Josh was born and raised in Northwest Atlanta, Georgia and has extensive Georgia roots.  He was first introduced to the guitar by his father, Mick Erwin, who played in a variety of bands, including a touring folk/bluegrass band in the 70’s.  Throughout high school and college Josh played in different rock and acoustic bands before deciding to focus on bluegrass flatpicking as his main guitar playing style.  His interest in flatpicking, along with exploring and playing bluegrass with Tom and Michael, and the creation of The Packway Handle Band all happened in 2001.  The immersion and the learn-as-you-go approach within the band contributed to Packway’s interpretation of bluegrass music and what can be done in and out of its boundaries.  This method also molded Josh’s unique guitar playing style and influenced his songwriting.

Josh plays a Crafters of Tennessee Rosewood Dreadnaught guitar.  He currently breaks medium gage GHS Bright Bronze strings.