TONY HILLIER writes about Melbourne acoustic guitar guru Nick Charles.

He might not play with the pyrotechnical panache of a Tommy Emmanuel or a Michael Fix, but that doesn’t mean Nick Charles isn’t among Australia’s acoustic guitar aces.

The palpable ease of his technique belies the fact that a virtuoso’s at work. On top of this, he’s also got a great voice as well.

Charles goes about his business with minimal fuss and maximum professionalism, eschewing the flash delivery of more ostentatious players in favour of feel good old-fashioned fingerpicking prowess.

"My driving forces are feel and melody and, as such, my musical sources are country blues to ragtime to jazz and even classical dynamics," he comments.

The songs and tunes on Nick’s new album are as impeccably crafted as his playing and equally earthed in the roots music tradition.

On Closer To Home, Charles tips his hat to legends such as Mississippi John Hurt, Ralph Stanley, Billie Holliday and Bob Dylan.

"I’ll be playing lots of the new album and the best music from my earlier releases, as well as some very new tunes on the Far North Queensland tour," Nick promises.

"Generally I slip in some classic country blues and maybe a little Doc Watson and Merle Travis," he adds.

Charles is playing three dates in the Far North as a prelude to a headline spot at the Palm Creek Folk Festival south of Townsville over the Queen’s Birthday weekend.

Nick’s performances were a highlight of last year’s Yungaburra Folk Festival.

"I particularly enjoyed the ambience of the Chapel, where I’ll be playing this weekend," he says, adding, "Chapels have great acoustics."

Charles is also looking forward to making his Cairns debut at the Tigers Den.

"It’ll probably be more ‘the pub show’, which I’ve done a few times, so it should be fun."

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