Barry Charles
“Barry Charles is a unique singer from a blues and rock background renowned for his exceptional vocal range and technique. He performs with spontaneity, emotion and originality to which he adds the magic ingredients of soulfulness, humour and a great repertoire.”
Born into a family of singers, his grandfather had a bass baritone voice and his father was a tenor. He can incorporate in a performance innovative scatting, interwoven with the unmistakable sounds of Tuva singing with influences here from [the late] Paul Pena. Barry can explore the technique of split harmonics and his phrasing is quite unique.
With inspirational inflections from the likes of Tom Waits, Otis Redding, Percy Sledge, Tim Buckley and Al Green evident in the emotional colour of his delivery,
During the European summer of 2000 he performed in the UK on the Avalon Field at the world renowned Glastonbury Festival, as well as the World Expo in Hanover, Germany, and at the Eden Project in Cornwall. Between 2000-2002 he played many and varied gigs around England and Europe - including solo supports for the Night Porters (UK), and Fairport Convention (in Brugge, Belgium), followed by a residency at The Bedford (voted ‘UK Pub of the Year’ 2001), the Tall Poppy, and The Twelve Bar Club in London.
Returning to Australia mid 2002, he recorded an album of his original songs titled “NORTHERN SHORES”. One year later and due to popular request, he released “UNDER THE INFLUENCE” - the songs of Tom Waits. In December ‘05, “SELF INDUCED CAUSE”.
His song writing touches the soul with observations of life, love, the environment, indigenous causes, fantasy, humor - darkness and light. Sometimes referred to as an ‘extreme vocalist’, his performances showcase his song-writing skills and incorporate some very innovative scatting that has its roots in the blues, soul and jazz idioms.
Barry tours within Australia and internationally from his home in south east Queensland where he is also known for staging and performing at some special musical events. He has recently completed a new album titled “SOMETHING GOIN' ON OUT THERE . ..“ released September 2008.