BAND SPOTLIGHT | Charlie Parr

Often musicians who emulate a sound from the past are destined to succumb to the public perception of revivalist or tribute artist, but Charlie Parr consistently rises above such notions while proudly and succinctly performing on the perch of his musical roots. Influenced in the country-blues styles as popularized by the old blues masters such as Charley Patton, Bukka White, Reverend Gary Davis and Mississippi John Hurt, Parr, based on the opposite end of the Mississippi Delta out of Duluth, Minn., gains deserved acclaim for his interpretation and invention. He’s performed at the Kennedy Center, remains quite popular in Australia and looks darn good in a beard and stocking cap; very common accessories in the Duluth area. His weapons of choice include resonator guitar, 12-string guitar, banjo and other assorted stringed instruments capable of making music in Charlie’s hands. His set lists range from strangely true, storytelling songs to instrumental meanderings with meaning, all from a vast catalogue of new tunes that sound like old songs refreshed with new life.