We’re well into 2012 and yet to find a new artist (or new to us) that truly stands out. That is, until we heard Minnesota bluesman Charlie Parr over at Rollo & Grady. Charlie’s influences include Charlie Patton, Bukka White, and Reverend Gary Davis, as you can see in some of his religious-based lyrics. He pulls influences from both historical and fictional accounts, often singing about people down and out or general human despair. Think American tall-tales from the gutter. He also just so happens to be an experienced yarn-weaver and quite a hit in Australia. He’s currently on tour promoting his seventh album, ‘Roustabout‘.

Charlie Parr – Gospel Plow (download)

Charlie Parr – 1922 Blues (download)