Jubilee by Charlie Parr

We saw Charlie Parr the summer of 2007 at Macy's Day of Music. He played in Orchestra Hall. It was kind of cool because the hall was filled with people. Ross and I were really impressed that he has been able to bring in that many people. We sat down to listen and he was great. I loved the stories he would tell before each song. It was just he and another guy. Charlie played guitar and the other guy played guitar and washboard. The sad thing we later realized was that people were waiting for the orchestra to come on after him. I think he may have won over a few people though. I had thought it curious that so many old people were into him!

Charlie Parr sounds to me like old fashioned country but I have also heard him be described as traditional folk music. As I listened to this CD though I think you could also say that his music sounds like the blues. In fact there is one song on the CD called "Riding Mower Blues." That is one of my favorite songs on the CD. More because it has great lyrics than anything else. It's about this guy who is a drunk and they have taken away the keys to his car so he plans to go to the liquor store on his riding mower (John Deere).
"You can't stop me from drinkin',
took the keys to my Lincoln,
you know I'm gonna get there anyway."
Classic. I have never felt that way but I can imagine there are some people that do. I also like "Jubilee." His wife, or maybe it is his daughter, sings harmony on that song. It's real nice, imagine me saying that with a southern accent.

After we left Orchestra Hall that day in July we got a bite to eat and were heading back to Peavey Plaza. As we were walking Ross spotted Charlie Parr standing next to the WCCO TV studio building. He was just sitting there staring at the people. Ross walked up to him, introduced himself, and started talking to him about how much he liked his set. They talked for a few minutes and then we went back across the street. Ross was so thrilled to talk to him and I think that is part of the reason he bought this CD. He just thought the guy was cool and liked his music.

I, too, liked his set. In fact, I think I like him better live than recorded. I don't know that I need to keep this CD. So if someone would like it and will take good care of it, give it a good home where you listen to it a lot, I would be happy to give it to you. Let me know.

If you haven't noticed I have started to add YouTube videos to the end of my entries. I went back and added one for Michael Franti and will try to add one for the others. This one is Charlie Parr singing "Jubilee." Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlF0aOxANFo