“Charlie Parr is one of the greatest musicians and human beings I know. So many country-blues artists are crippled with retro-ism and purism, but he has brought wonder and excitement to this music. Even Charlie’s foot coming down on the floor boards screams with more soul and life than most anything – past or future”Alan Sparhawk (Low)

Many people play roots music, but few modern musicians live those roots like Minnesota’s Charlie Parr. Parr’s heartfelt and plaintive original folk blues and traditional spirituals don’t strive for authenticity: They are authentic.

Described in 2008 by The Sunday Mail as “the hottest new folk and country blues artist of the year” Parr was introduced to Australian audiences that year via his track ‘1922 Blues’ which was used in the much played Vodafone ad (you know the one where the guy folds up his whole apartment, and the lyric… “I worked all summer couldn’t save a cent, I gave all my money to the government”). Add to that a coveted national tour supporting Paul Kelly, dates with You Am I and spots on festivals such as Falls Festival, Sunset Sounds, Southbound, Wave Rock and it comes as no surprise that Charlie’s developed a genuine fondness for Australia.

Returning to our shores for the first time in several years the Duluth, MN based performer will be showcasing songs from his latest studio album ‘Barnswallow’. The album, named for a banjo instrumental Parr once recorded with the Black Twig Pickers, has that same distinctive timeless feel, steeped in traditional folk and blues, one has come to expect from Charlie’s albums. ‘Barnswallow’ is the follow up to 2011’s critically acclaimed ‘Keep Your Hands On The Plow’.

Inspired by greats such as Charley Patton, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly Charlie Parr is one of the most authentic American blues artists produced in recent times. With sparks flying off his National resonator, 12-string guitar and banjo Parr’s spellbinding finger picking & slide techniques place him among the world’s foremost string-benders. His lovingly executed East Coast Blues style comes across as authentic, organic and honed from a deep-rooted love of the music, which has invited collaborations from the likes of Mimi Parker and Alan Sparhawk from indie darlings Low and progressive bluegrass outfit Trampled By Turtles.

Special guest for several dates on the tour will be Andrew Morris* (of 2 x ARIA Award Nominees The Wilson Pickers, and guitarist for fellow Brissie lad Bernard Fanning) who will be launching his new single ‘Flicker’ from the album ‘The Situationist’.

“Parr may not know it, or he may not believe it, but when it comes to real folk music, he sweeps the category. ‘Barnswallow’ might be Parr’s strongest record yet, and it’s certainly his most triumphant.” City Pages (USA)