An old-time charmer

HIGHLY

respected veteran US “outsider folk” troubadour Michael Hurley is making his first ever visit to Hobart next week.

Oregon-based Hurley, 76, grew up in 1950s Pennsylvania listening to Fats Domino, The Everly Brothers and Bo Diddley on the radio, and Blind Willie McTell, Hank Williams and Uncle Dave Macon on his record player.

After being discovered by blues and jazz historian Frederick Ramsey III, Hurley became a big player in New York’s Greenwich folk scene of the 1960s, releasing his debut album of “jazz-hyped blues and country and western music”, First Songs, in 1965. It was recorded on the same reel-to-reel machine that captured Lead Belly’s Last Sessions.

The 1976 album Have Moicy!, which Hurley made in collaboration with the Holy Modal Rounders and Jeffrey Frederick & The Clamtones, is regarded by some critics as one of the greatest folk albums of the rock era.

By the 1990s, Hurley was touring with younger acts such as Son Volt, and receiving high praise from performers including Lucinda Williams, Vic Chesnutt, Calexico and Cat Power.

He has also earned a reputation as a renowned cartoonist and watercolour artist, with his instantly recognisable artwork adorning his album covers.

Now, more than 50 years after releasing his first album, Hurley is still cranking out new music and charming live audiences around the world. He’s currently in Australia for an 11-date tour of the country’s east coast, including a show in Hobart next week.

Michael Hurley plays at the Republic Bar in North Hobart from 9pm next Thursday (March 29). He will be joined by acclaimed Gympie singer-songwriter Darren Hanlon. Tickets are $28.43 pre-sale from the venue and www.moshtix.com.au