From Nashville to Northshore

Nashville-born singer/songwriter Justin Townes Earle’s diverse repertoire combines elements of classic country, blues, and rock and roll. Earle, son of legendary and ground-breaking singer/songwriter Steve Earle, performs in concert at the Northshore Performing Arts Center May 17.

Justin Townes Earle comes from solid musical roots — his father is the legendary and ground-breaking singer/songwriter Steve Earle. Whatever he may have learned from his father, the younger Earle continues to prove himself as an individual — always forging his own path no matter where the others are going. Maybe that is the most important lesson he learned from his father, as well as being the main thing they have in common artistically.

Earle’s age belies his experience. Whether it be with his now defunct tin-pan/bluegrass/ragtime extravaganza, The Swindlers — or his loud rocking unit, The Distributors — the songs are smart. Earle’s honest voice reinforces his searing melodies and provocative lyrics. As part of a new generation of Americana musicians reaching back to embrace traditional country, blues and roots music, his music is rapidly creating a buzz in and around Nashville and elsewhere. He blends these genres seamlessly, framing his songs in warm musical settings with his multi-instrumental skills that complement his vocal delivery.

With inspirations as diverse as Townes Van Zandt (Earle was named in honor of the elder Earle’s hero), Jimmy Reed, Kurt Cobain, The Replacements, Ray Charles and The Pogues, Earle has forged his own brand of American roots music. Going through life with a namesake of Van Zandt’s stature cannot be easy for a young songwriter, but Earle takes it in stride, saying, “Anyone who tries to live up to Van Zandt is a fool. I’m honored to carry the name, but if I spent my life trying to live up to it, I’d have a pretty miserable life.”