Just who is Josh Charles?...

"Dr. John's piano playing meets Van Morrison's vocals with timeless yet contemporary songs." High praise, indeed. I received a promotional email from Ariel's Cyber PR about this guy's upcoming show at the Cutting Room on Wednesday night. I'm curious about him. Josh Charles website

From MySpace
Influences: Donny Hathaway, Sam Cooke, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Dr. John, Ray Charles, The Meters, The Band .. ..

Hey everybody .... I'm a piano player. Write songs. Sing and play some guitar. And been very fortunate to have played with some great musicians from Wynton Marsalis and Tony Bennett to Johnny Adams. Since I was a kid, I've played the gamut -- the worst dive bars with piano keys so jagged that I cut up my fingers every night, some amazing concert halls, outdoor festivals, great clubs and even floating theaters at sea. My mentor/teacher and friend is Dr. John and I can say that I am blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from a master.

As far as my music goes, I'm just trying to write songs that move people and have something to say. Thankfully, I've been blessed to find a lyricist named Ric Steel who brings out the heart and soul of the human spirit with his words. If my music makes you feel sad, joyous, or anything else after hearing it, then I guess I've done my job. When I get onstage to perform, well that's the only place in the world I want to be at that time. I will give you everything I have and more because that is what I do -- Play like it's the last show I'll ever do.

New Orleans meets Chopin - inspired by James Booker, Ray Charles and Chopin-- it's musical GUMBO - recorded live youtube: