Duane Carleton jams at CSC

His long, curly black hair nearly reached the ground. He sported a pair of bright red converse sneakers and large rounded rimmed 80’s glasses, leaving some onlookers unsure of what to make of Vermont musician Duane Carleton on the night of Nov. 1.

But after only a brief listen, Carleton soon would have changed their minds, as he showcased his very talented, moving voice and guitar skills.

Despite the lack of attendance, Carleton’s music reverberated satisfactorily throughout Fireside Café and certainly enthused the few who witnessed his performance.

With simply a guitar and a microphone, Carleton provided a wide selection of songs, with lyrics of love, his New England hometown, and even several with political undertones.

Prior to the performance, Carleton shared several interesting facts about his musical career and of those who have inspired and influenced this career.

Carleton, born and raised in Clarendon, has been playing and performing for nearly 37 years. He has produced over 15 albums, adding that he never gets sick of his producing music and has always been something he has wanted to do.

In addition, Carleton has had songs placed in films such as the HBO documentary “Dirty Driving-Thunder Cars of Indiana.” He writes all of his own lyrics and is influenced by several noteworthy bands, including Neil Young, The Beatles, Steve Earl, Wilco, and The Band.

Carleton stated that his favorite part of touring is the actual performance. He tours primarily in Vermont and has been to several local colleges including Johnson, the University of Vermont, and Vermont Technical College.

Carleton said his most memorable venue was the House of Blues in Cambridge, Mass. He also frequently pays visits to the Clear River Tavern in Killington.

His recently released album “American Boy” compares the contrasts between the current America and the America which once was. Carleton was quite excited for its release, for he claims that it is by far his favorite album. The album features a variety of popular musicians including Garth Hudson from The Band.

In an excerpt from the inside of this album cover, Carleton states that “I have created an album influenced by the rock of my youth against more serious political songs that deal with the traumas of the working class in of today in order to create a record of light and shadow, of pop and politics, indeed of contrasts.

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