A Mississippi singer-songwriter with both musical and literary interests makes his soulful Mountain Stage debut.

Charlie Mars performing live on Mountain Stage.

Brian Blauser / Mountain Stage

Charlie Mars performing live on Mountain Stage.

Brian Blauser / Mountain Stage

Charlie Mars performing live on Mountain Stage.

Brian Blauser / Mountain Stage

Charlie Mars performing live on Mountain Stage.

Brian Blauser / Mountain Stage

Charlie Mars.

Brian Blauser / Courtesy of the artist

Charlie Mars makes his first appearance on Mountain Stage, recorded live on the campus of West Virginia University in Morgantown, W.Va. Based out of his home in Oxford, Miss., Charlie Mars' musical roots range from Bill Withers and Bob Marley to Daniel Lanois, and he counts literary giants like Walker Percy and Cormac McCarthy among his greatest influences.

Nonetheless, Mars told Mountain Stage host Larry Groce that as far as his own songwriting is concerned, he doesn't have much use for music "unless it grooves." It's especially felt in the half-humorous, half-serious and somewhat partially biographical "That's How I Roll," which was not heard during the radio broadcast. Mars' set also includes the tune "Listen to the Darkside," which takes its inspiration from an invitation to listen to the classic Pink Floyd album.

Set List

"Pacific Oceans"

"Nothing But The Rain"

"Listen to the Darkside"

"I Do I Do"

"How I Roll"

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