Charlie Mosbrook Music

2011-09-09T12:31:00.000-04:00

Summers coming to a close.

2011-08-22T14:40:00.000-04:00

The past few weeks have been a rush. With the CD release and show at Cain Park, I was in high gear.
The Cleveland Plain Dealer and The Sun Press both wrote nice articles about me, the CD, my spine and recent triathlon swim. WRUW,WJCU, and WCSB all had me on the air. Steve's folk, Uncle Fred, Mr JEG and Cuzin Jimmy were all very welcoming.
The CD has been recieved well thus far. The feedback has all been very positive.

Tuesday August 30th, I am scheduled to appear on WCPN's "Around Noon" Later that evening at 8PM, I will be returning to the Barking Spider for what I am calling the public CD release.

Please visit my website for more info. I have put a lot of energy into it. Hopefully it will provide you with all you need to find my music.

www.charliemosbrook.com

Thank you for visiting

2011-08-10T10:25:00.000-04:00

Thank you for visiting. This page is simply a blog. For more information please visit:

http://www.charliemosbrook.com

Mini Concert at Cleveland Metrohealth

2011-07-21T11:08:00.000-04:00

I have set up a concert for MetroHealth 7A on Thursday August 4th. This is the Spinal Cord Injury floor where I spent a few weeks last year in rehab for my own injury. I am very excited to do this concert prior to my August 6th at Cain Park. Every patient in attendance will receive a complimentary copy of the new CD (Little By Little). The last song on the disc "up on my Feet" was written in between therapy sessions while I was a patient.

CD Progess

2011-07-12T13:15:00.000-04:00

As I type, I am listening to the final proof for the CD. It is a long process, but one I love. I love making music, and ever since I was a kid I wanted to make records.

The cover art looks amazing thanks to Heidi Rolfe and Nina DeRubertis. The two collaborated to develop an amazing image and concept to go along with the music. I am very happy with the results.
The image is from my back steps. I don't remember Nina taking the photo, because each step takes so much concentration for me. For Heidi to understand that as she went through Nina's shots was amazing. This single image illustrates the struggles I face everyday, and the overall theme of the CD as I slowly climb these rusty old stairs.

Musically I love how this collection finally came together. I tried to rely on the strength of these songs and my simple performances. This CD is a folk music CD. It is built around the acoustic guitar and my vocals with some basic additions when called for. On song, "Coffee" is complimented by a great shuffle of brushes by drummer David Cowan, whom I went to Heights High School with. His work is amazing and maintains the overall feel of the whole CD.

Right now I am hearing the final 2 songs, and feeling very happy that this disc is something special.

I have also been working on the website in preparation for the release, and am waiting on post cards, posters, mailing supplies, and download cards of my back catalog.
I am so excited for the Cain Park show and hoping for a big turn out. But I also know that all I am doing now is laying the foundation for a much brighter future. Cain Park is just one night.
With the release of "Coverage" and the upcoming release of "Little By Little" I have two collections of music that I am very proud of.

Little By Little I am gettin' back to the me that I once knew.

Pledge Drive a Success. Thank You!

2011-06-13T13:23:00.000-04:00

The kickstarter pledge drive has been funded. Pledges can still be made till 2pm Wednesday June 15th. A pledge of $15 is a pre-purchase of the new disc. I will be mailing these out to everyone who pledged as soon as the CDs arrive(and all rewards). I am hopeful to have these in hand by July 15th.
The CD is complete.It sounds amazing. I am very happy with it. My last modification to the audio came at the same time the pledge goal was hit. I was giddy. I have hired two local artists (Nina DeRubertis and Heidi Rolf) to create the cover. David Cowen collaberated on one song. I am really proud of this record.

The official release will be Cain Park August 6th. Tickets start at $20 presale. I am extremely excited about this show. This will be a true concert setting. I can not imagine a better way to present my show. Make no mistake, this show is a big deal to me. Before that, my Cleveland shows will be limited. I will also have a release party in late August as well as a house concert and listening party for the grand re-opening of Audio Kreme Studio on 185th St.

Thank you all for your support.

Midway through a pledge drive.

2011-05-31T10:29:00.000-04:00

My pledge drive is mid-way thru right now. I am not confident in it being successful at this point, so I, as much as anyone look forward to no longer having to push it as much as I do. This experience gives me a whole new respect for those in public radio that have to do this twice a year. It is difficult to have to create a sense of urgency amongst your supporters. It makes me feel like a pain in the bum, and I am sure many find the persistent reminders annoying.

So why do I do it? Because I have to.
Todays music industry has changed. I play many shows for little if any money. the venues can't afford much more, and I lend a lot of time to charity as a musician. In the past week, I did a show at Hessler (free), The Ohio City Bike Co-op(Free), Dewey's Coffee(tips and cd sales). To put it mildly, it was not a great week financially. I did enjoy myself, and I feel I served the community with my music and time. But I do know that these times are very different than the 90's.

For musicians, the struggle to survive is tough. I believe that we have come to a place where the arts in general are supported primarily through donations. If our society is to retain creative new music and arts, we have to support it in the same way public broadcasting, ballets, museums and orchestras are supported. None of it is very comfortable for me, but if I am going to make this sustainable, I need to find funding. Through kickstarter, I think this is possible.

I hope you will consider making a pledge today and help the music continue.
Thank you always for your support,
Charlie Mosbrook

DONATE

Kickstart my next CD

2011-05-19T11:10:00.000-04:00

Those of you that follow me on Facebook already know that I have started a Kickstarter project campaign. What this means is that I have come to you looking for the funding for my next CD project. In the same way that public broadcasting is supported, Kickstarter offers the public a chance to get behind the efforts of creativity in a meaningful organised way.
For me, the concept of a listener supported record is much more exciting than any record deal. Your pledges let me know that you want to see/hear these records made, and that you appreciate the thousands of free shows and open mics I have provided to the community and region over the years. I love doing this work and am dedicated to this music.
I hope you will visit the pledge page and make a contribution. Every little bit helps. The basic $15 pledge will be rewarded with a signed copy of the new CD. $30 gets you both the new CD and a copy of "Coverage". This essentially is a pre-sale option, which of course I prefer as it insures that I can get the music out to those of you who enjoy it. Of course, there are larger donation options, and creative ways of saying thank you.

DONATE NOW!

May I share what's coming?

2011-04-24T23:57:00.000-04:00

A lot has been happening lately. I won the Scene readers poll. This was a huge surprise. I have been nominated many times, but winning was a thrill.
Having hosted area open mics for so many years, I am well aware of the talent in this area. To be chosen by the community as Cleveland's best singer songwriter means a lot. I could pick songs by my peers that I wish I wrote, stage presence that I emulate, voices, guitar technique and so many other areas of this craft that I admire in my friends and fellow musicians. That said, I know how hard I work at this both for the benefit of my craft and for the local music community as a whole. This award represents that recognition, and for that I am very grateful.

I have 3 big shows coming.

Beachland May 3rd: with Avin Baird, John McGrail and Chris Volpe.Being able to see these 3 very talented musicians together will be a big thrill. Being on stage with them is a great honor. The show will be a songwriter in the round style, and should be a really good one. Don't miss it.
The Hessler Street Fair May 20: This is one of the best events Cleveland offers every year. I will be on the main stage at 2pm.....I hope for your sake, that you will be there. The fair will bring a crowd. I am excited.
Cain Park Alma Theater August 6: This a huge show for me. I am so excited to headline this stage mid summer. Please plan to make it out. This may be one of the biggest nights of my life. If I have given your life any joy with my music, please make a plan to be here for this one with me.

Again, thank you for all of your continued support over the years. I believe this coming year will be very special for me. I look forward to sharing it with you.
Thanks,
Charlie

Scene Readers Poll

2011-03-30T11:44:00.000-04:00

Thank you to everyone that voted for me in this years readers poll. It is quite an honor to be recognized by your community......To those following the Scene link, Please click here to go to my full website:
www.charliemosbrook.com to visit the website for the Coverage CD, please go here: www.coveragecd.com

Thank you all very much!!!!!
Charlie

Check out music from Charlie Mosbrook

2010-12-30T11:53:00.001-05:00

Coverage......Coming soon

2010-12-03T14:03:00.001-05:00

      The idea for this project began last February when my future was very unclear. I knew I was going to be hospitalized, unemployed, and faced with a lot of medical costs, not to mention the cost of living. I also wasn't even sure what my future held as a musician. I had lost some feeling in my hands and the surgery was to pass by a main vocal nerve. Left with little in the way of resources, I looked to what seems to be unlimited for me. I looked to my friends and my imagination.
      Having run open mic's throughout this area for the past 20 years has put me in the middle of an extraordinary music scene in Cleveland, Ohio. The scene is focused around the Barking Spider Tavern on the Case campus and the corner of Euclid Heights and Coventry just up the hill from Case. This corner is where Arabica held one of the biggest and best open mics in the area. Today the Grog Shop occupies that space and continues to bring great music to the stage inside. Just down the street is the new Phoenix Coffee where we continue the tradition of developing some of Cleveland's best songwriters and musicians. For me I have had the good fortune of running these stages and forming lasting friendships with these talented folks.
        It was these people that I turned to, to help me in my time of need. I didn't ask them for money, I asked them to choose one of my songs and to record it any way they like. The response was quick and excited. Most of them had an immediate song in mind. I could tell that I had hit some creative nerve that could inspire some really nice recordings.
         The first recording arrived from the youngest talent of the group, Morgan McCaskey. I was 20 hours post surgery. To hear her sing just made me smile for a long time. In Memphis, Columbus, and South Carolina musicians were teaming to produce some amazing recordings. More recently I have had several come into my studio and lay down some tracks. These may be some of the best recordings I have produced here. As the other songs started coming in, I noticed one common theme. Every artist put a lot of love and care into arranging, performing and recording these songs. Musically, this entire collection very powerful.
          The initial intent was to help me with my medical costs, hence the name "Coverage". The title also plays on the theme that all of these artists are covering my songs. What I haden't expected is the musical story that would unfold revealing a 20 year history of this vibrant Cleveland songwriters scene that I have been able to witness and be a part of during my years as an open mic host.
          As a songwriter I am humbled by these recordings. As an artist, I could not be more enthused by whole of the project. But most important to me is the community that is this music. This collection of music tells that story.

We are set to release this CD with a concert at the Grog Shop early in 2011.

Check out music from Charlie Mosbrook

2010-11-29T12:15:00.001-05:00

"Coverage" A sneak peak

2010-11-16T01:24:00.000-05:00

(With my new CD "Coverage" nearing completion and release, I will be running a series of blogs as a preview. The CD is a collection of my songs performed by some of the musicians I have worked with over the years. Robert Loss produced my song Sing Out. This post was written by him to reflect his thoughts. )
-CM

Robert Loss

About “Sing Out”

As a performer, songwriter and emcee of the popular open mic at the Coventry Arabica, Charlie Mosbrook was a vital influence on me as a young musician. Charlie was always supportive, offering tips on how to get shows, pointing out lyrics and melodies he liked, and for these reasons and many more, he was one of my first examples of how a musician could be compassionate, alert, and open to the community and its music. His was never a competitive nature, except in the way musicians should be competitive: you admire and praise talent, learn from it, then get yourself back to woodshed and get to work. For the five years I lived in the area, Charlie's songs and the open mics he hosted sent me back to the woodshed.

I may have heard Charlie perform “Sing Out” as early as 1996, but it doesn’t really matter when, because this is a timeless song, the kind that you feel certain has existed for at least decades despite its raw emotion and topicality. Some of its language would not be out of place in union songs of the early twentieth century, and the phrase “I wanna fly away” is code, immediately calling to mind old-time folk and black spirituals and gospel. There’s always been a strong current of spirituality in Charlie’s music, but one of the unique things about this song is the way spirit—faith, hope, belief of many kinds—is married to politics. This isn’t a song that runs away from this world for the next. What we hoped to get into the performance here is what Paul Tillich was talking about when he said “Courage is the power of life to affirm itself in spite of [its own] ambiguity”. That’s what I’ve heard in this song for many years, and it’s in the Erika Carey’s keening accordion and Jim Volk’s feral slide guitar: hope in spite of suffering, resistance in spite of oppression, the courage to sing out in spite of one’s own fears and uncertainty.

Radio appearance

2010-10-04T23:37:00.003-04:00

This week will finish in Kent for the Mountain Rose Concert Series on Sunday night. I always love playing in a true concert setting. More and more, the coffee shops are allowing for this, but there is nothing like a true concert performance when your music depends on subtle parts. I look forward to it.
At 3pm on Sunday I will appear on 913thesummit out of Akron Tom Ball conducts the interview. Please tune in. It will stream live.
Saturday night I will be 2 blocks from my folks house at the Phoenix on Lee. The show starts at 8pm.

On Stage at Nelsons ledges

2010-09-26T00:05:00.002-04:00

Overhall

2010-09-24T19:24:00.002-04:00

I have completely overhauled my website. I had been maintaining the whole site on blogger, but I really wanted to do a little more with it, and hopefully make it easier for you to navigate. Please take the time to check it out. I am always open to critiques, and of course I have a bad habit of typos. If you happen to notice, please feel free to tell me. The blog will become much more of a blog, so expect more in terms of my creative writing.
Anyhow, thanks for reading. www.charliemosbrook.com

NEW OPEN MIC

2010-09-20T12:39:00.002-04:00

This week begins a new Open Mic at the South Euclid Phoenix. I am so grateful to have the chance to host these nights. For 20 years now, I have considered these shows the staple of my career as a singer songwriter. Having the opportunity to continuously try out new material in front of my peers has helped me to become better at what I do. Being able to provide a stage and good sound system for others like me to grow as entertainers helps me to feel as though I am contributing to the music community as a whole.
The South Euclid Phoenix is a great room to perform in. The show starts at 7:30 with our sign up at 7PM. I hope to see you there....4441 Mayfield, South Euclid, Ohio

Fall Risk!

2010-09-14T02:37:00.002-04:00

With one more week of summer left, I have packed in a week of shows.
Tuesday(tonight) Sept 14 at 8PM I will be at the Barking Spider. The talented Zach Friedhoff will follow at 10pm. The Spider is always my favorite gig. Come on out early and have a beer on the patio.
Wednesday is the Open mic at the Lee Road Phoenix. Sign up at 7:30 Show at 8PM
Friday I will head to South Euclid for a full 2 set show at the Phoenix
Saturday I am off to the west side for a night at the Root Cafe.
Monday is back to the Coventry Phoenix for Open mic 7:30 sign up
and .......
Tuesday September 21st we kick off a new open mic at the South Euclid Phoenix Sign up is at 7PM and the show starts at 7:30

creating peace

2010-09-03T02:32:00.003-04:00

I have never been an absolutest. I have always tried to see a coin for both of its sides as well as the core and the edge.
Monday is the Peace Show. It originated as a response to the air show and the celebration of military power. Though this is true, it is also a demonstration of our technology and the human spirit. The war planes are amazing in this regard. The trick planes are fun. The cargo planes are used for humanitarian aid.
The peace movement is also balanced by the fact that it is not always peaceful. The peaple that take up the cause of the anti war movement are feirce and unweilding in their pursuit of peace.
It is through political means that these folks hope to bring about change that will lead to policies of non violence and peaceful resolution. The problem in these fights is actually realizing peace.
That is what art, music, food, and friends are for. It is through the creation of something beautiful that we are able do something for the cause of peace it self. It is not through our opposition that we attain peace. It is by joining together that we will create peace where ever.
Join us Monday The music begins at noon. I go on at 1:50
.

Free

2010-08-23T14:10:00.002-04:00

I am offering two off my more popular songs as free downloads from now until the Peace Show on Labor Day. The Show is located at East 9th
and Lakeside in front of the Free Stamp. So go ahead and take them, They are free!

Erie Shore....

2010-08-20T00:52:00.005-04:00

Just north of here is the great Lake Erie. It is the source of water we drink. Seemingly limitless we wash ourselves in it's waters without ever having to visit the body of water that it comes from. A mile off sure the water descends into an intake before be purified and piped out to our homes. Lake Erie is our coffee and our front lawn. Lake Erie is an ever present part of our life if you live in northeast Ohio.
As a songwriter I have gone to this well often. The first song I ever had put into public circulation was a called Erie Shore. It is on my CD "Travel's With". It first appeard in 1991 on a CD called "They showered us with Beads and Flowers". It was the first CD I ever owned and the reason I bought a CD player.

On Labor Day I will return to the lake to perform during the Peace Show. for my seventh time. The show will at Willard Pak at 9th and Lakeside in Cleveland.

Here is line up for the day:
12:00-12:40 Eve N' Stephen
12:55-1:40 Early Girl
1:50-2:35 Charlie Mosbrook
2:45-3:30 Mary Shapiro
3:45-4:40 Sue Jeffers & Band
4:45-4:50 Great Peace Plane Launch
5:00-6:00 Revolution Brass Band

Building something greater than myself

2010-08-01T02:33:00.002-04:00

One major struggle I have as a solo act is that I am solo. I can handle the music part alone, but when it comes to juggling the many hats required, I can often become overwhelmed. My biggest short coming comes in the form of business, because frankly I am not as good at it as I could be. I feel it tends to draw me away from the actual work that I am trying to do....Make Music!

I am very excited to announce the addition of Jessie Mueller to my team. Jessie has already begun to establish new contacts while re-establishing old ones. Her fresh and exciting idea's for marketing the music, performances and studio projects are quickly yielding very positive results.

Please Stay tuned as we will have many more announcements coming soon...Welcome aboard Jessie!

Past and Present Venues

2010-07-31T23:14:00.004-04:00

Cleveland Area

Rockand Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
Cleveland Agora
Peabody's Downunder, Cafe
Beachland Ballroom
Grog Shop
CainPark
Beck Center Cafe
Brick Alley Theater
The Barking Spider
Hessler Street Fair
Euclid Tavern
Winchester
Fatfish Blue
AJ Rocco's
Cleveland House of Blues
Hi-Fi Concert Club
Phantasy Concert Club
Dewey's Coffee
The Symposium Cleveland, Ohio
Phoenix Coffee, multiple locations
Beck Center Cafe (Lakewood Ohio)
Arabica Coffee Houses, multiple locations

CampusLife

University of Wisconsin,
Lakeland Community College
Cuyahoga Community College
Youngstown State University
Cleveland State University
Depaul, Chicago
Case Western Reserve University
The Ohio State University
Kent State University
University of Cincinnati

Various

No Exit ( Chicago)
Old Town School of Folk Music (Chicago)
Borders Book and Music: Pittsburgh, PA Eire, PA- Buffalo, NY- Huntington WV- all Ohio stores
Edan Park Season good Pavilion, Cincinnati, Ohio
Leo's Coffee House, Cincinati, Ohio
Steep and Brew, Madison Wi.
Sufficiant Ground's, Toledo, Ohio
Espresso Royale, Ann Arbor Michigan
Harpersfield Vineyard
Cafe Crema, Mentor, Ohio
Brady's Cafe, Kent, Ohio

Many many more......

Busybusy busy

2010-07-22T01:38:00.001-04:00

Having gotten away for a week with my family, I am feeling recharged and ready to continue my forward momentum. My coming months will be busy with the goal of only becoming busier. Here is a short list of current projects I am working on.

My performance schedule is quickly filling. I should have a show every week for the next few months.
The recording project featuring other musicians performing my songs, is coming together. Matt Harmon, John McGrail, Morgan McCaskey, and Alan Grandy have all turned in recordings. Hearing what others bring to these songs has reassured me that these songs are good, and that my friends are incredibly talented. I will keep you posted about the release once I have all the recordings in.
I am taking on a manager to help with marketing, booking and management. One thing I am sure of is that I can't do what I want to do alone. After one short talk I am already inspired by the ideas being presented. I will make an official announcement soon.
I have been engineering and helping to produce a CD for Songwriter Mendel Singer. He is a very talented writer and is joined by blues player Joel Allen, who has recorded 3 projects with me over the years.
My student roster is growing. Teaching guitar has been such a blessing while adapting to/overcoming my current physical limitations. I look forward to taking on many more students.

Last year when I made the decision to rededicate my life to music, I had no idea what was in store. It has been a wild and difficult ride since that time. As the dust begins to settle I can see that I am moving in the direction I had planned. My life is what I want it to be.

Discography

2010-07-22T00:58:00.003-04:00

1991 They Showered us with Beads and Flowers, "Erie Shore" Compilation CD
1991 Chuck Mosbrook and the Electric Monkey (Cassette)
1994 Chuck Mosbrook (Cassette)
1997 Joel Allen (Cassette) *
1999 Charlie Mosbrook (CD, download)
2000 It makes me Smile/ Charlie Mosbrook (CD, download)
2000 Just a Tadpole/ Frogg'n Toad (CD, download) *
2001 No One of Consequence/ Adam Cord (CD) *
2001 Just the Beginning/ Kelly Pribicevic (CD) *
2001 A Musical Journey Through Time/ Sabatical (CD) *
2003 Xela/ Luv Mutha (CD) *
2004 Nothing is Clear/ Charlie Mosbrook (CD, download)
2006 Living on Loose Change/ Jeff Guhde (CD) *
2006 2 Originals/ Joel Allen (CD) *
2007 Travels With/ Charlie Mosbrook (CD, download)
2009 Recovering the Past/ Charlie Mosbrook (CD, download)

*Production Credit

Free CD and a new look

2010-07-03T02:41:00.004-04:00

I took some time today to tidy up my site. I think everything you need is easy to find on this page. My schedule, music and other links are at the side. The blog, videos, bio. and testimonials make up the rest of the page. Please let me know if you are having trouble finding anything. If this site is not helping you to find my music in the form of mp3, CD, video, and live performance, then it serves no true function. Please feel free to send along any idea you may have to better serve these needs.

From Friday July 2nd at 6PM until Monday July 5th at Midnight, I am offering my CD "Recovering the Past" as a free download. It will only be available at lastfm.com . Follow the link to my page and go ahead and download. Have a great weekend!

Happy Independence Day!!

UPDATED July 6Th

A few folks had trouble finding it, So I am holding over the CD giveaway till Friday. Follow this link......Enjoy

Making movies!

2010-06-28T11:54:00.003-04:00

The next few weeks will be quiet for me. I will be retreating into the endless mountains of NE Pennsylvania with my family in the early month and will resume performing on the 25th at Dewey's. My last show there was amazing. I love the room. It is very cozy and lends it self to my style of performance. I also will make my debut at Whole Foods on Chagrin The 30th.

I have been fooling around with movie maker recently and made a couple of video's. The first one is "Sing Out". It was produced by Nemo Sicking of Omen Industries who did an amazing job shooting lighting and editing. The next two are of my making including a new recording of "Who here will lead us". The final one is a new song, "Up on my feet again". The video highlights my athletic career and as well as my physical decline, surgery, and recovery.

Who Here will Lead Us.wmv

2010-06-28T11:14:00.001-04:00

This is a brand new recording. Hope you enjoy the video I put together late last night.

Full time music

2010-06-19T12:28:00.003-04:00

About a year ago I made a decision make music my first priority once again. Through the past 6 years I had many fewer live performances than I had done in the 15 years before that.

Part of my absence was due to the economic state of things. The market for performing songwriters changed. Many of the staple gigs disappeared. CD sales dropped. Costs went up for supporting a solo road show. For me earning a daily wage became my focus.

I also devoted much of my attention toward athletic pursuits like triathlon and running. My personal accomplishments were many. I love the health and fitness driven community. I am glad I gave these years to sports and fitness. I may never have that chance again, but I will always know that I was able to finish an Ironman triathlon. My perseverance I will never doubt.

Ironically as I began the early move from endurance sports back to music, I was hit by a spinal cord injury. For the months before my diagnosis, my emotions were subject to a roller coaster unlike any I had ever known. I was not myself. I began to move forward with my music plan, but it was slow and often interrupted. Following surgery and PT, I began to get motivated, but it is a slow process in recovery. Not being able to work during this time has forced me to make music my primary focus. The realization that this is my gift, and what I am meant to do becomes stronger and stronger everyday as I face the personal struggles of understanding my place in this world. I don't want to live off of the state. I have more than that to offer.

Without a choice, I return to my voice. I am guided by these songs and the stories behind them.

Songwriting

2010-06-09T13:42:00.002-04:00

As a songwriter, I am in a position to focus most of my energy on my art right now. My recent hospital stay and current recovery have forced me to slow down. As a result, I spend a lot more time with my instrument. My life perspective has also been altered in a significant way. The end result for me has been more productivity as a songwriter. The good news is that I am able to produce these songs for you as they are being written. I have posted some basic demo tracks before posting the finished product, allowing you the opportunity to listen in on the creative process. My most recent song, "Walking Ain't Easy" Was written and recorded and released world widein less than a 24 hr Period. Today's music now has the opportunity to be immediate just as blogs, status updates, and news feeds. As a songwriter my goal is to make the songs lasting and meaningful for years to come. Please check back as new tunes are being posted regularly and songs that have been with me for many years are ready to be discovered for the first time.

2010-06-03T18:26:00.002-04:00

I spend some of my early hours practicing my guitar. These sessions tend to be very free form and open with out structure or vocals. They usually begin halfway through my first cup of coffee and develop as I play. Lateley I have been setting up my portable stereo mic and digital recorder to capture these moments. I have edited it so that you can enjoy samples. These recordings are free to download and share. Enjoy!

What is new?

2010-05-24T12:51:00.003-04:00

I am currently trying to record many of the songs I have been singing by other artists over the years. My approach is a simple stereo mic and portable digital recorder. The results are honest and intimate, performances. I am searching for the right vehicle to make these recordings available to you. I will most likely share these songs for free.
Stay tuned.

Back on My Feet Again

2010-04-25T19:13:00.003-04:00

Despite having suffered major physical set backs lately, musically I am really excited about many things. Here are a few.

My most recent surge in writing may be one of my best ever.
The new band is really close to being ready.
New solo gigs keep coming.
I have added more guitar students.
The LeeRd Phoenix has asked me to take over the Open Mic
All of my CD's and downloads are now available through my Revernation Store

Also, I have set up a giving link for the NSCIA (National Spinal Cord Injury Association)

Reverbnation

2010-04-24T20:11:00.002-04:00

Music Store

2010-04-19T00:03:00.004-04:00

Marching forward into spring.

2010-03-09T21:15:00.002-05:00

If you have followed my facebook page you are aware that I was hospitalized at the end of February with Disc compression in my spine. I was sent into surgery very quickly to decompress, replace and fuse the degenerated disc. The neurosurgeons went through the front of my neck to do this. Of course the big fears were paralisis, death, stroke, orthe permanent loss of my voice. Any one of these outcomes would have brought my music to a close as I know it. Fortunately the surgery was successful and I am now facing a couple of weeks in physical therapy to learn basic motor functions and regain sensation in my hands and legs. I am hopeful that every thing will be right soon. It is not an exaggeration to say it has been a very difficult couple of weeks since I have been taken into medical care.

Right now my ability to perform remains week to week. Cancelled for me right now are the Dewey's, St Paul's(Though Mary Shapiro will continue on) and the house concert. The Root Cafe Show still remains. We will evaluate that later.

A number of my friends have taken my songs and are working on recordings for a compilation to help me with my growing costs due to my spinal issues. I am very excited about this project and look forward to hearing it soon.

Here is a list of performers and songs. Carlos Jones- Feed My Soul/ Alan Grandy - Erie Shore/ Jay Bentoff - Tankashila/ Rob Covert- Angel on a Train/ John McGrail- Who here will lead us/ Hal Walker- Walk tonight/ Linda Roy and Kevin- We aint got much time/ Dave Michaelson - Stranded in Chicago/ Jim Volk- Peanut Butter Cookie/ Tim Brennan- and Becca Bessinger- Awakened to the Rain/ Shirley Jay- Spread My wings/ Matt Harmon- Anywhere Else But Here/ Rob Loss- Sing Out/ Andy Cohen and Aaron Smith- Roxanne/ Kevin Bang and Jason Smith- she fades away/ Avin Loki Baird- Empty Sky/ Morgan Macasky-Communication Age

Thank You all for your continued support, prayers, visits, flowers,and of course cookies : )

February is for folk Music

2010-02-06T08:58:00.002-05:00

When I was younger February was when Kent State would hold it's folk festival. A weekend of concerts and workshops filled with music played by many of the folks I would later call friends. The mid winter folk festival was a great break from the cold. It would usually be alligned with my birthday and was one of my favorite events each year. Today it is a fall tradition, but folk music remains alive through the chilly 28 days of February here in Northeast Ohio. Right now I am listening to folkalley.org presented by WKSU. For live music I have a few options to share this month.

February 13th I will Celebrate my birthday (2-11)at AJ Roccos. with a show

February 17th I will return to the Beachland Tavern as part of a songwriters in the round show

February 20th I return to Lakewood for my first show at the New Root Cafe

February 27th is my regular show at the Phoenix in South Euclid

Every Monday of course I host the Open Mic at the Coventry Phoenix

I look forward to my the schedule expanding as winter begins to break. I have been writing some new music that has recieved very kind compliments. I have also been learning new songs and having a ton of fun with it all. be sure to check the reverbnation box for details. I hope to see many of you soon.
Be well,
Charlie

Teaching Prospect

2010-01-18T12:19:00.003-05:00

I have recently embraced the trade of teacher. Most specifically guitar teacher.

It had always seemed to be something I would shy away from in the past. Mostly I would teach kids during the years I worked with Church youth. This was a natural give back as my introduction to the guitar was through my youth minister Bob Wollenberg. We were just using it as a set up for a clown gag involving a chair and my sense of physical humor. Bob gave me a smaller guitar for the set up and taught me a simple blues progression. I wrote some lyrics for the song I was to attempt. The song never got out of the first verse as I would go tumbling across the floor with my legs locked to the chair. eventually I was escorted away by the MC of the event I was performing for. The act was well received, but what took hold was the idea of turning poetry into songs. Creating a new layer in which to convey my thougths and feelings, the guitar became this puzzle for me to unravel and soon asumed all of my attention. As I progressed I would absorb everything other guitarist were doing. I played as much as I could. I soon learned to love the feeling a guitar could bring you as much as any feeling that exists. I soon became very comfortable dancing my fingers across every part of the instrument to create music.

I developed I unique style that has evolved over the years from very rhythmic and percussive to sparse and delicate. Today it has all merged into one as I weave between technique depending on my mood and where I want to take the song at any given moment. I worried that trying to teach this others would be difficult because of my erratic style of play.

Eventually I found much more confidence in my ability and knowledge, coupled with my calm and patient nature I began to give a few lessons to friends. It was amazing what a good fit this was for me. I began to realise more and more that this individual style was something others wanted to learn. That after 25 years of developing this style of play, I had something to offer. That my free spirit technique is an asset. I have always loved the teaching aspect of running open mics. It was silly to think I wouldn't be good at this.

The best part of teaching guitar is in knowing that I have to progress as quickly as those that I teach. This pushes me to practice and seek more knowledge.

This past week I was asked to start offering classes at Prospect Music in downtown Cleveland. This is a very exciting opportunitty as I will be the only teacher working out of this central Location. I am excited to begin adding students soon.

Please send me an email if you are interested.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T12:04:00.002-05:00

Looking ahead, I have a few plans for 2010.

New band. This new group will be mostly comprised of musicians that I have know for 20 years or more. The same folks I first learned to play with. As details unfold I will let you know more.
New Music. I have been writing a lot of lyrics. The music is coming. Hopefully I will have an albums worth soon.
New west side venue. I will be adding the Root Cafe to my regular schedule. I know I have ignored the west side. This should be a good venue near Gladys and Detroit.

Teaching guitar. I am now teaching guitar. I hope to spend much more time doing this over the next year. I have many openings, so if you would like to learn to play guitar, please contact me so that we can set something up.

I hope the New Year brings us all peace and that we never be afraid to allow love.
-Charlie

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-23T11:10:00.002-05:00

I will be quiet for a little bit. I have some shows lined up late in December. Please consider giving my music as a gift this holiday season. The links are along the side panel. As always I will be hosting and performing at the open mic every Monday at he Phoenix on Coventry.
Until we next meet.
Peace.

November

2009-11-08T20:27:00.002-05:00

This month I have a light schedule. I have a lot of new material I am working on right now. The season for writing is now. I am to perform at a fund raisor this coming friday the Peace Show at St Pauls at 49th and Franklin on Clevelands west side. Other then that, you can always see me at the Open Miic at the Coventry Phoenix each Monday at 8pm. if you wish to perform please sign up at 7:30. Our list fills quickly, so be early to guarantee a spot.
Peace,
Charlie

2009-10-11T13:38:00.003-04:00

This past Friday at the South Euclid Phoenix was great. So many of you turned out for what felt like one of my best performances in years. I owe much gratitude right now to Kelly Camlin. Kelly has been spending a lot of time with me lately working on song, guitar and vocal technique. We have been sitting down with the guitars and singing for hours. It is hard to describe how much this has improved my performance. The benefits that I have received as a musician from working with her are immeasurable.

I have a few changes to my schedule.

First, is the Sachsenhiem Ball has been downsized due to a scheduling conflict with the venue. As a result, I am currently not on the bill. I will still advocate attending this party, however I will not be performing.
The Ohio City Bike Co-op fundraiser and ride will be the 24th of October. I will be going on around 10PM. I hope to see all of my 2 wheeled friends for this. The bike co-op is an amazing asset to the city of Cleveland. All bike enthuestist should think about ways they can support it. This evening is my first recommendation.
On October 29th I will be doing a double header at AJ Rocco's. The first show will be a happy hour show followed by an 8:30 show for those of you that need to stop home before coming downtown. Each show will be 90 minutes.

Thanks for checking in, and I hope to see you all soon.
-Charlie

2009-09-20T12:07:00.002-04:00

I have a couple weeks without gigs. This is time I get to use for developing songs. I love the chance to work on these things and return to my next string of gigs refreshed. A few things are planned for October.

On the 9th I will return to the South Euclid Phoenix for a laid back coffee house gig. This is always a good spot for the story teller shows.
On the 24th I will be performing at the Ohio City Bike Co-op as part of a Halloween ride and fund-raiser
Halloween I will be at the Sachsenheim in for the Freakers ball. This is a huge party with many stages and acts playing all night.
My new collection of Songs is available for downloa. Please check the links on the side bar.

Testimonials

2009-09-14T14:23:00.002-04:00

WOW Charlie! Just glanced at your website...you have been doing this art---and doing it well for 20 years. I'm impressed ! Not only by your site/s, your discography, your list of household names you've shared a stage with (WOW! how EXCITING!)...but mostly I'm impressed with YOU Charlie. Your guitar and vocals and lyrics--your music speaks for itself (because you let it).--But to be honest, the most memorable piece/s of you, were watching you help clean up in the rain, host the open mic, walking all the gear--YOUR gear that you haul by hand cart and multi-trips--to your studio/apartment. With all your talent Charlie, You have a humility, a quiet clarity that is sooo refreshing in this world. I meet a TON of folks (on the road with my performers hat on and back in DC with my producer hat on) and this is how I will remember You.

Mary Shapiro
Producer and host of Sounds Of Hope concert series, Washington DC
http://www.pottershousedc.org/soundsofhope
http://www.maryshapiromusic.com

Listen

2009-09-08T16:14:00.003-04:00

Press

2009-09-08T15:56:00.004-04:00

The Cleveland Scene Magazine

Local artist Charlie Mosbrook delivered a solid low key set featuring the moving "We Ain't Got Much Time", a dissertation on the downside of urban development -Cleveland Style- and the concise, beautiful "Walk Tonight".
Definitely a singer/songwriter/guitarist to be on the lookout for around town.

-Brian Lisik

*******

From the Cleveland Free Times

Nothing is Clear
Charlie Mosbrook

Charlie Mosbrook has hosted open mics and performed his soft-spoken acoustic music with local acts for the past 16 years. Over that time, he's recorded five albums and has had the opportunity to perform with the likes of Jewel and Big Head Todd and the Monsters. His latest album, Nothing is Clear, again features his warm delivery. Songs like Nothing but You and Love and Disappointment tell h eartfelt stories and are backed with quiet acoustic melodies, uplifting songs such as Feed My Soul and Rearrange the Focus deliver a much-needed dose of energy to the album. Instrumental songs such as The Walk Home and Message are also highlights.

-Joe Giordano

"Recovering the Past" Now Available

2009-09-06T16:35:00.004-04:00

I am excited to announce the availability of my latest collection of songs "Recovering the Past (1988-1996). These songs are new recordings of tunes that had been released and put out of circulation as technology and online retailers changed. The inspiration to record these songs came as my web networks began to expand and people began asking for some of these songs. Not wanting to re release the older recordings that had mostly been produced with older home studio gear, I decided to revisit the arrangements and relearn these songs. As I tend to live in the moment, I had forgotten how much I liked these songs. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I have.
Please visit my CD Baby page for Song titles and samples.

Performance Schedule

2009-08-31T17:57:00.004-04:00

Open Mic

Mondays at 8PM Sign up at 7:30

Phoenix Coffee

1854 Coventry Cleveland Heights

Getting smaller.

2009-08-24T09:37:00.006-04:00

Friday night I brought out the small guns. My gig set up PA/netbook/ipod/guitar/cables/mic/stand/merchandise/postcards weighed in around 20 pounds. The audience reviews on the sound were great. The little mackie SRM150(very compact PA) is an amazing tool for what I do. I picked up a little stomp box in case I needed to get spacey on stage. It has some tasteful little effects to tickle the ear. The night seemed to go by so quickly. I felt like playing a lot longer and the folks were listening. I try to finish up on time for the benefit of the staff. A long shift is a long shift.

******

I am awaiting "processing" by my distributor as they send my new album across the Internet. I have already posted some tunes on the reverbnation page, folkalley and Last.fm. I have enjoyed reworking these tunes. I think keeping the entire recording true to my live performance was important.

******

I am focusing my efforts on house concerts and farmers markets as venues. I have three in the planning stages. I am not sure yet how the publicity will work, as these are sometimes by invite only. If you are really interested in one of these shows, consider hosting one your self. I have found some very good resources to help you set up a concert where you live. I wish my place was a tad bigger. I would love to host some of my favorite musicians in my home and share the show with my friends.

******

It is the folks I enjoy best.

2009-08-16T11:19:00.004-04:00

The Iris Dement show went as well as I could have hoped. Everyone that came out for the show was great. They all seemed to really enjoy good songwriting and were there to watch the show and enjoy the music. My set was silly, awkward, honest and generally represented my style.
Iris was kind and and charming with a streak of southern fire that sent a warning to watch your step. Sorta reminded me of my Grandmother Mosbrook.
By the end of the evening, having talked with many folks, dealing with the club, sound man and just enjoying the good feelings all around, I was reminded why I love playing folk music. It is the folks I enjoy best!

Just added

2009-07-28T15:49:00.003-04:00

I was just added to the Iris DeMent show August 15th at the Beachland Ballroom. The show will begin at 8PM.

In addition to the excitement of performing on the Beachland Ballroom stage is the opportunity to share the stage with a true master at the craft and art of song-writing. I look forward to this show. Be sure to get your tickets early.
-Charlie

Last.fm

2009-07-28T11:07:00.002-04:00

You can now hear my music on last.fm . in addition to my current releases, I will be adding live shows and old recordings to the last.fm catalogue. Most of these will be exclusives to that site.
I have also added some more social networks like twitter so that I can get news out to everyone. Check the links on the side bar.

Mondays mean Open Mic

2009-07-27T11:26:00.002-04:00

Mondays mean Open Mic at the Coventry Phoenix. I like Monday

It's all about the song

2009-07-25T10:48:00.004-04:00

I am in the midst of a songwriting rush right now. For what ever reason I tend to write in bunches. I am sure a vacation has something to do with it, but the creative gates opened a week before my break began. I think I am just more receptive to my own emotion right now.

While on vacation I really had an opportunity to explore my relationships with my family as a whole and individually. I am very fortunate to have a close family. Sometimes I take it for granted, but all of my direct relatives are amazing people and we all truly care for each other. We are all healthy, but age does make you consider the value of quality time with one another. The time with my family means more then the break from my daily life. It was a good week.

I am finishing up a recording project tomorrow with local singer-songwriter Maura Roger's. She is very talented and easy to work with. The recordings sound great. I will post a link as soon as there is one. I have a few other projects lining up as well as two new albums of my own in the works. One is a collection of older songs that just never made the cut on current releases for various reasons. The other will feature all new songs. Both projects will be strict acoustic live performance in my studio.

I have some cool gigs lining up right now. I have started discussions to set up a "song-writer in the round" type of event. Right now Morgan Mecaskey of the local Tinamu is going to join me. She is one of the most talented songwriters I have ever known. I am also exploring tour possibilities including a swing to the west coastand a series of concerts thru big ten towns.

As I grow older I more clearly understand that the art of song-writing does not lay solely in the construction of a song, but in my ability to to explore my own emotions. This is what brings life to a songs and music. It also brings greater meaning to my whole life and allows me enjoy my relationships with family and friends.

Be well,
Charlie

reducing my dependance(Car-free)

2009-07-12T12:13:00.005-04:00

For 5 years I have been living car free. After spending years racing from gig to gig every day, I began to feel as though the car was what I was living to maintain. Gigs paid for gas, tickets, insurance, storage, and maintenance. Rather than focus my efforts on the music and the things I felt were important for the good of the planet, I built my life around a single tool. In early 2004 I sold my car and set out to live car free for 1 year. I have yet to return to the ownership of one since.
The benefits are countless. Cost is the obvious advantage. Stress derived from life in the car is gone and I am a much more relaxed human being for it. My diet has improved as I no longer use my steering wheel for my dinner table. I am able to get a workout in or read during my commutes. I meet people on buses and bike rides. My conscience vibrates positively with the knowledge that I am less of a burden on the planet. Overall I am happier as a car free person than when I was a member of the free way population.
The big drawback to not owning a car is that I am restricted with the shows I am able to play. Travel considerations have to be thought out and be practical. My P.A. System is much to heavy for me to transport without a car except for gigs here on Coventry. Most of my shows require the venue to provide sound. For large gigs this works out. For smaller shows (my preference) this is not always available to me. My hope to tour has been delayed as seek ways to overcome this obstacle.
My show Friday night was one that required a small system. Rather than run a small mixer through a guitar amp(not a good sound) I packed a small studio monitor into a padded bag with my cables, grabed my guitar and jumped on the bus. My concern was that the sound would be distorted at a volume appropriate for the gig. The sound however was perfect for the room. The only problem left was the fragility of studio monitors. Travel is rough on every thing. Powerful little speakers meant for a more permanent instillation won't hold up to the abuse of travel, so though this option worked in regards to audio and size, it remained impractical as a solution.
Yesterday I did a search for a small powerful affordable solution. What I found was a 7.5 pound 150 watt personal monitor made by Mackie for $250. With my big system it can serve as personal a monitor. At small gigs, I can use it for the whole room.
With this new found confidence in a truly portable sound system, I will be able to expand my performance scheduel and begin planning shows outside of the Cleveland area.

See ya soon-Charlie

Liner notes

2009-07-08T21:11:00.003-04:00

When I moved this site over to the blogger page, my intent was to make my music site more interactive and allow myself to add content often with out performing a major overall. I wanted to be able to update quickly and make every thing easier to find. With my distribution moving toward the eventual exclusion of physical media, the ability to communicate within liner notes also becomes obsolete. Notes about lyrics and song origins no longer accompany the packaged songs. Performance credits and acknowledgements become lost with this new media. The biggest sacrifices is not having the ability to say thank you. My hope is to now include all of these things within this site. So for now I will say thank you to some of the folks that have recently made it possible to continue to make music.....
Thank you: Brendan Walton, Mary Colan, MJ Muser, Bonnie Kaczor.

2009-06-22T11:34:00.003-04:00

Coming early in July I have a 3 night run. Each show will be a bit different beginning with a set prior to an appearance and lecture by Iraq war protester Cindy Sheehan. I make a return to the Phoenix in S. Euclid for an intimate coffee house performance. The weekend wraps up with a full on party at AJ Roccco's.
Please check the full schedule for details.
Hope to see you all soon.
-Charlie

December 18, 2008 AJ Rocco's

2009-06-07T13:28:00.005-04:00

Photo by Steve Wagner

City Year Video

2009-05-21T21:18:00.005-04:00

Mondays at 8PM Sign up at 7:30

Phoenix Coffee
1854 Coventry Cleveland Heights

Some of my music has been used in a short documentary for City Year. This is a good group that is doing the things I think most important within our committee. I was happy to lend my music for this project. The Producer is Nick Price of Omen Industries.

Whats new

2009-05-11T16:20:00.003-04:00

Come out to the South Euclid Phoenix next Friday, May 22nd. This room is a really great venue for me as it takes on a large living room feel. - Please check the schedule for Details.

I am now selling my songs on Amazon, Emusic, Rhapsody, Napster, and very soon itunes will be carrying my music. My CD's are also still available. -Please explore the side bar for all kinds of good stuff.

Next Sunday I have been asked to help MC The Hessler Street Fair. As a warm up I will be running the Cleveland Marathon (26.2) miles. Should be fun.

Photos

2009-05-11T15:58:00.004-04:00

New Site

2009-05-10T22:07:00.003-04:00

I had hoped to update this site with the announcement of my CD "Travels With" being distributed in mp3 format on several of the biggest e-music retailers. My plan was to redesign the old site to include links to the retailer included.
I have been hosting charliemosbrook.com on geocities now since 1999. I have never had a problem and when needed I was able to purchase additional storage at a very reasonable rate.
Today while getting ready to rebuild my site I learned that geocities wiill be shutting down in the near future. With this news I felt it a good time to move charliemosbrook.com and completely rethink my design and goals with this site. Having maintained a blog on the blogger site for 3 years I decided to move my main page onto blogger. My hope is to be able to keep everyone up to date with all news regarding my music, recordings and performances. In addition to being able provide all of these things is the ability to blog regularly.
I am happy to be able to provide this portal into my music. I look forward adding news to the blog as it becomes available.
Enjoy

Charlie Mosbrook Music

Summers coming to a close.

Thank you for visiting

Mini Concert at Cleveland Metrohealth

CD Progess

Pledge Drive a Success. Thank You!

Midway through a pledge drive.

Kickstart my next CD

May I share what's coming?

Scene Readers Poll

Check out music from Charlie Mosbrook

Coverage......Coming soon

Check out music from Charlie Mosbrook

"Coverage" A sneak peak

Radio appearance

On Stage at Nelsons ledges

Overhall

NEW OPEN MIC

Fall Risk!

creating peace

Free

I am offering two off my more popular songs as free downloads from now until the Peace Show on Labor Day. The Show is located at East 9thand Lakeside in front of the Free Stamp. So go ahead and take them, They are free!

Erie Shore....

Building something greater than myself

Past and Present Venues

Busybusy busy

Discography

Free CD and a new look

Making movies!

Who Here will Lead Us.wmv

Full time music

Songwriting

What is new?

Back on My Feet Again

Reverbnation

Music Store

Marching forward into spring.

February is for folk Music

Teaching Prospect

Happy New Year!

Happy Thanksgiving

November

Testimonials

Listen

Press

"Recovering the Past" Now Available

Performance Schedule

Getting smaller.

It is the folks I enjoy best.

Just added

Last.fm

Mondays mean Open Mic

It's all about the song

reducing my dependance(Car-free)

Liner notes

December 18, 2008 AJ Rocco's

City Year Video

Whats new

Photos

New Site

I am offering two off my more popular songs as free downloads from now until the Peace Show on Labor Day. The Show is located at East 9th
and Lakeside in front of the Free Stamp. So go ahead and take them, They are free!