Wednesday 4th September, the Lexington, London. Charlie Parr. It’s a lovely late summer evening in old London town and we are looking forward to a night of laid back acoustic blues. First up though on this double bill is JD Wilkes from the Legendary Shack Shakers. If your bag is dark, bleak, morbid, banjo led rockabilly then JD is your man. And for this packed room he certainly is. Supplementing his great banjo playing and singing is his harmonica. But more of that later. It’s a delightful 45 minutes of self-deprecating humour, tall tales and fine songs.
It’s the usual low key opening for Charlie Parr as he casually walks on stage, opens his guitar case, plugs in his pedal and off we go for an hour or so of the finest country storytelling blues. Armed with a half steel and beautiful full steel resonator we are taken on a musical journey taking in a fine blend of standards and Parr originals. As usual with Parr his humour comes out in between songs as he regales us with stories about big ben and a fellow big clock in Minnesota but sadly no clock and just a lake in Duluth.
JD joins Charlie for a couple of tracks later in the show where there’s a harmonica v steel guitar show down rattling down the musical tracks like an out of control steam train. We are taken back down with a great version of ‘Cheap Wine’ and ending the night with a barn storming gospel like rendition of ‘Aint no Grave’ with Parr holding his congregation in rapt attention.
Another great night with Charlie and its good see a full house in my favourite small venue in London (especially with the sad demise of the Borderline) to witness a master in action.
Till the next time keep on dark and broody blues rockin y’all
Weezer
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