Christopher Paul Stelling: A Modern-Day Troubadour

Christopher Paul Stelling is a modern-day troubadour – traveling with his battered but trusty guitar (called “Brownie”) and a collection of songs that draw on deep roots in American folk and blues but which end up sounding timeless. Fans of John Fahey and Leo Kottke will admire his guitar playing; fans of Tom Waits and Will Oldham will admire his songwriting.

Stelling has lived in many parts of the country, but he’s settled in Brooklyn in recent years. “Settled” being a relative term here. Stelling estimates he’s played about 400 shows in the last three years. And with his newest album, Labor Against Waste, (out June 16 on Anti Records), he’s traveled all the way across the East River to perform selections in the Soundcheck studio.

Also, check out this simple, stark, utterly affecting live version of the song “Dear Beast,” recorded in a derelict warehouse in Brooklyn with a single camera moving around as he plays.

Set List:

• "Warm Enemy"
• "Scare Crow"
• "Hard Work"