Born and raised in Indiana, Charlie moved to Seattle in 2000 where he became a founding member & creative force of The Tallboys. Charlie also performs as a duo with his wife, Charmaine Slaven, called Squirrel Butter. An avid songwriter, he has recorded three albums of his own original and traditional music. Charlie is a dazzling and versatile banjo player, and he is also accomplished on fiddle, guitar, lap & pedal steel. Charlie’s natural feel for song and his personal involvement with music are reminiscent of the artists of the 1920's and 30's. Musicians such as Jimmie Rodgers, Blind Willie McTell, and Uncle Dave Macon had only their voice and acoustic accompaniment to entrance their listeners. Charlie plays with a great sense of rhythm, and he elaborates on the melodies and themes in his songs in ways that are virtuosic yet respectful to the mood of the tune. Often compared to modern day songwriters such as Danny Barnes, Tom Waits, and Gillian Welch, Charlie's original compositions combine modern approaches with more traditional styles, creating a unique and personalized sound. He is also an avid enthusiast of old American blues and and string band music, and his repertoire includes a bushel of these beautiful and haunting traditional tunes. Charlie is an accomplished musician, well versed in jazz and swing, as is evident in the adventurousness of his songs. His mastery of the banjo and guitar come from years of study, and he also plays brilliantly on fiddle. As a vocalist, Charlie is gifted with great range and depth to his voice, and delivers lyrics to his listeners with strength and emotion. As a lyricist, Charlie really shines. He creates poetic lyrics that are honest, unfussy, and true to life. His words can inspire his listeners to reflect upon personal images and feelings. Hailing from Indiana , Charlie has been living in the Northwest for several years, and his personal exposure to a vast variety of American culture gives his songs a unique, universal perspective. Charlie spends his days immersed in music. Often, he can be found street performing at farmers markets & events around the Puget Sound, most prominently the Pike’s Place Market in downtown Seattle. Charlie endeavors to create unique original works, unearth obscure and beautiful old time tunes from America's past, and explores various styles of jazz.