Artist description Ian Charles is an Acoustic Troubadour. His style is best categorized in the "Singer/Songwriter Americana" Genre Though, he has written driving working class rock-n-roll to introspective folk often defying categorization, Ian writes simply structured melodic and poetic songs from the viewpoint of everyday people and the lives we live. His characters are both fictional and factual. But, they are filled with unfulfilled yearning, wanderlust, and dreams. A need for change, but a deep rooted faith in the possibilities of simply...living. The Ian Charles "Sound" is a combination of Folk, Country, Rock and Blues. Armed with a voice and a lyric that comes straight from the soul. His songwriting has been compared to Steve Earle, John Mellencamp and Bob Dylan, and Jay Farrar.

Music Style Americana/Folk/Rock/Alternative

Musical Influences Bob Dylan, Joe Henry,The Band, Elvis, The Beatles

Similar Artists John Mayer,Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen,The Band, Chris Isaak, Ryan Adams

Artist History Ian is about to release his 4th full length CD and has just released a LIVE EP featuring two new songs. .. A consummate musician and songwriter. The 2001 Dmusic Network Grammy winner for Best Artist and Song for "Heavens'Key. Ian Charles has been performing on stage since he was 10 years old. From New England to Los Angeles to Memphis' Beale Street Blues, New York's Greenwich Village, and the sidewalks, subways, coffeehouses and highways. Ian Charles' Musical journey has been an adventure full of reward for his fans and himself. His approach to songwriting and performing have won him accolades from fans and critics alike. Born in the SE6 section of London, England in the town of Catford, to a working class family. Ian comes from four generations of musicians and performers. Ian began hearing at an early age, Folk, Country, Blues, Gospel and the earliest rumblings of Rock-n-Roll through the record collections of his parents and older brother. " Me and My brother shared a bedroom when we were growing up. We shared alot of music there. My family moved constantly so we hung on to music like a security blanket. It felt very safe. Music was just part of our life. Like eating or sleeping." By the time that his family settled in America. The songs of Bob Dylan, Hank Williams, Leadbelly, Buddy Holly, Mickey Newbury, The Beatles and Elvis Presley had grabbed a hold of Ian in a way nothing else did. Ian had also by this time taught himself to play the guitar and he studied drums in school. Joining many local cover bands through his school years while all the time developing his songwriting skills. After graduating High School he began travelling the globe with his songs and his guitar. " That time, when I first left home was incredible. I would play anywhere for anyone. I used to jam in any situation I could find. Rock-n-Roll, Blues, Folk, and studio sessions as a drummer or backing vocalist. You have to do whatever you can. Experience music in different settings and really get a feel for what is going on in any particular scene." In 1989 Ian formed a band that would set the stage for the sound that is Ian Charles' music today. That band was "Last Cafe". The sound was a combination of everything Ian had initially been influenced by. Raw and straight forward music, Acoustic or Electric. This led to the first sessions for what would become Ian Charles' Debut CD in 1995. "...TO THOSE WHO WAIT". With favorable reviews, a tour ahead, and regional airplay. Everything seemed to be working. Then a series of developments mainly, the loss of his father who was a major positive influence on Ian, his life, and his music. Made Ian's 2nd Cd release from 1997, "LONG HILL ROAD" take on a grittier edge. Electric Guitars became the forefront. "Long Hill Road was a tour de force of Alt-Country and the British invasion sound. It was filled with alot of vintage amplifiers and recording techniques. With a touch of twang in the soundscape." LHR nailed the sound that I had been reaching for in those particular songs." After a short tour, Ian decided to strip thing down musically. He wrote on piano and acoustic guitar and listened night and day to alot of the music he listened to when he first heard music." I love the early pioneers of all of that incredible music. Their musical influence is profound". These influences became "WISHING STREET" Ian Charles' 3rd CD release, and his first on his own indie label, EyeSee Music. Released in early 2000 the same day he premiered his website, www.iancharles.com a great virtual companion to his history. "Wishing Street" is produced by the incredibly talented Boston based producer, Crit Harmon. Who has worked with Martin Sexton and Mary Gauthier among many others. Ian is preparing his second leg of a nationwide tour "Solo Acoustic". He has also recently moved back to his original region in the Northeast from Nashville. He will be on the road full band and continually returning to the South to perform. " I have a true connection with the south. It's people and it's history". He plans to release his next CD in The Fall of 2003.

Group Members Ian Charles Also performs with his band. ICB= Ian Charles Band

Instruments Acoustic, Electric and Resonator Guitars, Piano, Harmonica, Vocal

Albums Minutes From Midnight (forthcoming 2003),LIVE @ The Puppethouse Theater EP (2002),Wishing Street (2000), Long Hill Road (1997), ...To Those Who Wait (1995)

Press Reviews Ian Charles voice seethes soul. His substantial talent lies somewhere between mainstreams current radar and that's good. Like today's Steve Earle or Gordon Lightfoot in the 70's, How does one categorize Ian Charles?- Try foot deep in the heart of honest-to-goodness wonderful music- COUNTRY STANDARD TIME ~~~ "A panoramic trip into the soul of Americana"- ONE STEP MULTIMEDIA.~~~ "Man oh man, can this guy sing! Every song on this record tells a story. Ian Charles is clearly a songwriter and singer who is deserving of much wider, national recognition,based on this collection.****Four stars! Highly recommended-Mark T. Gould/SOUNDWAVES.~~~ "Once in awhile an artist comes along that takes you to a place you never thought you could go anymore. That artist is Ian Charles. The CD is Wishing Street."- Sherry Phillips/NEW MUSE AMERICA-~~~ Ian Charles writing style is that of a storyteller. His expansive tunes are Poetic, Beautiful, and Soulful. Ian's voice is soothing and rich sounding. The kind of music that will become part of your life-Gina Dicker/Willow-Rymanbound Network

Additional Info Cd Single: Signs/WildOats (1995) Cd Single: WishingStreet/ La La La La (Sept.2000)

Location New York, NY - USA

Copyright notice. All material on MP3.com is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. You may download this material and make reasonable number of copies of this material only for your own personal use. You may not otherwise reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, publicly display, or create derivative works of this material, unless authorized by the appropriate copyright owner(s).