Bert Carlson

Bert Carlson started playing guitar professionally in Illinois in 1976. He worked the downstate region, playing jazz, blues, shows, and commercial gigs. He also did some teaching at Illinois State University and Lincoln College.

In 1985 Bert moved to Washington where for the next 14 years he would average over 300 engagements a year doing music of various styles. His recording there included commercials, tv, film, and 2 cds. While there he also did some road work and many concerts, including stage performances with national artists as diverse as Wynton Marsailes, the Squirril Nut Zippers, and Doc Watson.

In 2000 Bert started working in the Valley of Virginia. In the northern valley he has performed frequently with Lew Morrison's Splaaaat, and folk and blues singer Barbara Martin. In the southern valley he has been playing straight ahead jazz with Bob Peckman Jazz, and swing with the Bob Lefever/Charlie Perkinson Combo. In the Lexington area he plays lead guitar and sings with the blues band Loose Change, and has performed with Compass Records singer/songwriter Leslie Tucker. In West Virginia he has worked with the Manhattan Jazz Junction, and plays frequently at the Greenbriar Resort.