Charlie Degenhart is a singer-songwriter who sings as much as he songs, bashes as much as he strums, and gets his kicks with full-band in tow, bringing the Stones to the party while holding on to troubadour roots. In other words, no navel-contemplating here, just good music with depth played hard and with a clarity that doesn’t require an English degree to decipher. April’s Fool is Degenhart’s debut release on WingDing Records and showcases all of his finest attributes in one fell five-song swoop.Degenhart began his musical odyssey in the early 90s, becoming a regular on the Philadelphia and regional Pennsylvania club scene. His debut CD Bridge Street Main was released on Tiki God Records in 1999, to sensational critical response. Performing Songwriter magazine described the disc as " . . . stunning . . . the record oozes with kick-ass, thumping, Heartland energy, heartstring-pulling balladry, insightful lyrics, strong melodic hooks and first-class musicianship that falls somewhere between Tom Petty's Heartbreakers and Bruce Springsteen's E-Street Band."In 2000, Degenhart moved to Nashville to continue his work and to find a band to help keep the Bridge Street Momentum going. Regular performances on Music City stages have helped to increase his reputation as an outstanding rock and roll frontman with a purpose, winning him new fans at each gig. His latest EP, April’s Fool features five songs co-written with guitarist George Marinelli (Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Hornsby and The Range, George Marinelli Band), and recorded at Marinelli’s WingDing studio.The lead-off track of this solid-as-a-rock EP, “Momentary Bliss,†is a self-described “snotty take on romance†full of the melodious spirit of the best 60s-era pop and roll. “Called†follows and rocks hard with a gritty groove that perfectly frames the posing sneer of its poker-faced narrator. “Two Fools†shifts the mood ever so slightly, as Degenhart’s wraps his gentle vocals around a haunting melody that takes on the bond between himself and his younger sister, siblings that share all the psychology of an indelible April 1 birthdate. “Val Wrenne†is a weird but wonderful piece of modern psychedelia, a musical pastiche that XTC or the Fabs would be proud of, about a quietly noble man who used to narrate old radio programs. Finally, Degenhart’s EP masterwork closes with “Our Crooked Roads,†a folksy piece of Americana dealing with simple themes of reconciliation and family.April’s Fool is a listen that puts you right here with Charlie Degenhart in the here and now, while whetting your appetite for where he’s headed next. And, whether dancing around the house or cranking it up on your car stereo, you’ll want to come along for the ride. For more information visit http://www.wingdingrecords.com April's Fool is available via CD Baby.com, select record stores and online at WingDing Records..
