It started with a hometown hero, a folk singer the locals knew as Robert Zimmerman but came to know as Bob Dylan. This Duluth, MN born singer-songwriter was one of the first in the area to make his way to the bright lights. The music culture surrounding Duluth is an interesting one. It is enriched heavily in folk and eventually grew into a haven for bluegrass bands that found inspiration in the wild country that surrounds them. The industrial, blue collar town gives artists enough to sing about and has provided further inspiration for many more artists to come. Bands like Trampled by Turtles whose lyrical dynamite is fueled by rhythmic speed that makes you wonder who put the quarter in them. They have recently found national success with their album “Palomino” but die hard fans have been appreciating the sound since 2004′s “Songs from a Ghost Town” (Duluth anyone?). Closer to the realm of a Bob Dylan is long time Duluth favorite David Dondero.
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Dondero is a singer-songwriter in the purest form and often compared to the likes of Dylan and Waits. Between his story telling lyrics, Dobro backed rhythms and northern country picking, he is a go to for many Duluth natives. You combine Dondero and the Turtles you come up with a hybrid known as Charlie Parr. The piedmont style blues man started his music career in Duluth where appreciation for musicianship is the norm and fans often stare in awe at the speed and grace of his fingers destroying the frets. His slide guitar abilities make him a one man band and a sight to see live. When you add all of these guys together you have a truly unique scene enriched in Midwestern undertones.
Charlie Parr – 1922
Trampled by Turtles – Victory
David Dondero – NPR Tiny Desk Concert Series
Cheers…
All three artists are wearing plaid which proves they are from Duluth
[...] Charlie Parr September 28, 2011 By The Midwestern Gentleman A little while back we brought you The Music of Duluth in our series Tuesday Tracks and in that playlist were the musical happenings of Charlie Parr. Some may say he is a blues man, [...]