Biography
Charlie Strater refined his craft as a songwriter and live performer through an extended run of restaurant and tavern appearances across his home state of New Hampshire, a routine he maintained even after the 1998 release of his critically acclaimed debut recording, Bluesy Stuff. Within a brief span of bringing his contemporary fusion of folk and blues to New England coffeehouses and concert halls, he established a reputation as a powerhouse performer distinguished by accomplished blues-guitar technique, vocal intensity and passion reminiscent of Cat Stevens and Martin Sexton, and a consistently energized stage presence. This visibility soon led him to perform in select regional listening rooms, where he served as opener for established folk figures such as Martin Sexton, Peter Mulvey, Les Sampou, Cliff Eberhardt, Harvey Reid, and Ellis Paul. His set earned him a slot in the New Faces showcase at the venerable Club Passim in Cambridge, MA. The appearance drew the notice of local folk impresario David Nickerson, who placed one of Strater’s compositions on the Best of Boston compilation album spotlighting several up-and-coming artists from the city’s thriving folk community. With the arrival of his second album, Thornhill Road—an exuberant exploration of acoustic blues, funk, bluegrass, and troubadour folk—Strater further clarified his identity as a uniquely modern singer/songwriter and guitarist. In 2001 he remained active in venues near his Stratham, NH residence, promoting both recordings while producing captivating and compelling music across multiple genres that rendered him difficult to pigeonhole yet firmly endeared to his audience.
Albums