Trying frontman on for size
Style Weekly
March 3, 2004

Talented multi-instrumentalist Charles Arthur relishes his duties as a sideman. He rocks out in an array of fine bands including Johnny Hott’s Piedmont Souprize, Chez Roue and Page Wilson’s Reckless Abandon. He also played for two years with a local gospel band and hit the national touring circuit, backing Slaid Cleaves and Wayne “The Train” Hancock.

With his new project, Charles “King” Arthur and the Spacious Guys, Arthur takes over as front man for the first time. Supported ably by the tasteful, jazz-influenced bass of Carter Blough and the musical and minimalist drumming of Kris Krull, Arthur moves from piano to guitar to lap-steel to banjo while running through a repertoire steeped in rockabilly, jazz, gospel and country. Thrown in with the Elvis and the Chuck Berry, there’s a little Ray Charles, a little George Jones. There’s “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” and a beautiful lap-steel instrumental version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Whatever feels natural, Arthur says. It’s a charming, off-the-cuff style that works.

“It’s a lot more fun not to have an arrangement, ‘cause fun stuff can happen,” Arthur concludes, breaking into one of his frequent grins. “Sometimes it wrecks. But the good stuff makes it work.” Catch Charles “King” Arthur and the Spacious Guys on March 12 at Ashland Coffee and Tea. Tickets $5, call 798-1702. — Ames Arnold