As an ambitious kid from Mississippi, Charlie Mars enjoyed anonymity until college, practicing music that would lay the groundwork for three stirring albums, Broken Arrow (’96), Born and Razed i> (’97) and End of Romance (’99). Before long, however, Mars found a damaging level of inspiration from pills and alcohol, retreating to Sweden and playing to unknown faces for several years. Bouncing back in 2004, he brought a new album to an expanded audience. His most recent album Like A Bird Like A Plane, released last June, is perhaps his most personal yet.
Charlie Mars w/ Tom Vollman
Tonight @ Shank Hall, 8 p.m.