The music of Mt. Holly, N.C.’s David Childers, like the man himself, is multi-faceted and more than a little intriguing. He comes off as part root-rock storyteller a la Dave Alvin or Tom Russell and part beat poet, with original songs that are alternately rugged, romantic and restless and with cover choices that are often inspired. For starters, Childers’ ability to combine influences and impulses that are typically worlds away is showcased on the sitar-visited version of Hank Williams’ “I Hear that Lonesome Whistle” on the recent Blessed in an Unusual Way, an album that’s both spiritual and spirited. He’s eclectic enough to cover Dylan, longstanding troubadour Martin Stephenson, and Bob “How Much is That Doggie in the Window” Merrill, and electric enough to rock out when the mood strikes. David Childers will be at Cary’s Six String Café on Dec. 12, along with Chris Cook and Darlene Caine. Call 469-3667 for details.
–Rick Cornell