JD MCPHERSON On first listen, crooner and songwriter McPherson may sound vintage, but his mix of rockabilly, old-time rock and R&B, stitched with blues, is anything but dated. The slicked-back sound evokes Blasters and Gene Vincent, to be sure, but tracks like the Ray Charles-inspired “A Gentle Awakening” are lucid, moody and defy labeling McPherson as a “retro” rocker. McPherson’s obvious love for soulful rock is what makes it all work. The songs are hummable and danceable, the guitars sing, the pianos sway, and his voice accents the music with authentic charm. He even recorded his debut album, Signs & Signifiers, on vintage analog equipment. $12-$15. July 20, 8 p.m. Visulite Theatre, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. 704-358-9200.