If you think I’m going to start out an article about bluesman Charlie Parr’s new album being “on par,” then you are sorely mistaken, reader. Parr’s new album Dog will be out Sept 8 on Red House Records, covering several topics that are personal to Parr, including mental health and existentialism.
I’m also not going to go off on an unrelated tangent about how MY dog had one testicle that looked like kiwi just because this album is titled Dog. Sheesh.
Parr is a native of Duluth, Minnesota, and — after spending a sizable period of his life working with the homeless in the North Minnesota region — he brings a unique perspective to his tradition-grounded yet distinctly-modern blues. This latest effort includes studio contributions from experimental folk artist Jeff Mitchell, Dave Hundreiser on harmonica, Mikkel Beckman on percussion, and Liz Draper on electric guitar. Pre-order the results from Red House now, and check out the album’s titular track down below.
See? I can write a straightforward news article. You don’t know me, reader.
…Just like I bet you also didn’t know that I’d end this piece by mentioning the Parr will be on tour to promote the album. I guess you could say this guy is really ON PAR.
Dog tracklisting:
01. Hobo
02. Dog
03. Salt Water
04. LowDown
05. Sometime’s I’m Alright
06. Rich Food and Easy Living
07. I Ain’t Dead Yet
08. Boiling Down Silas
09. Another Dog
10. Peaceful Valley
Parr tour:
08.24.17 - Cincinnati, OH - Whispering Beard Folk Festival
08.26.17 - Ontonagon, MI - Porcupine Mountains Music Festival
09.01.17 - Richmond, IL - Lost Valley Visitor Center
09.03.17 - New Munster, WI - New Muster Ball Park
09.15.17 - Mount Vernon, OH - Ohiolina Music Festuval
09.16.17 - Bristol, TN - Bristol Rhythm & Roots Festival
09.17.17 - Newport, KY - Southgate House
09.23.17 - Winona, MN - Boats & Bluegrass Festival
09.27.17 - Pittsburgh, PA - Club Cafe
09.29.17 - Burlington, VT - Higher Ground
10.01.17 - Truro, MA - Truro Vineyards
10.04.17 - New York, NY - Mercury Lounge
10.05.17 - Philadelphia, PA - Boot & Saddle
10.07.17 - Milheim, PA - Elk Creek Cafe and Aleworks
10.11.17 - Washington D.C. - Black Cat
10.12.17 - Roanoke, VA - Five Points Music Sanctuary
10.13.17 - Asheville, NC - The Mothlight
10.21.17 - Chicago, IL- Schubas
12.16.17 - Lake City, MN - Oak Center General Store
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