Grammy nominated Hammond organist, Brian Charette, has established himself as a leading voice in modern jazz organ, working with many noteable artists such as Joni Mitchell, Chaka Khan, Lou Donaldson, and countless others. Since moving to New York in 1995 from his native Meriden, Connecticut, Charette has become an Integral part of the New York City jazz scene.
Brian is a new SteepleChase artist and has just released his first recording for them, "Upside" which has met with critical acclaim. He is currently working on his second SteepleChase release which will be out summer 2010. As a sideman, he records with many popular jazz artists; most recently with Tony Desare on Telarc records. Mr Charette is also featured prominently on two new Mel Bay instructional DVDs by Rodney Jones and Sheryl Bailey.
Brian also works regularly with Jimmy and Jerry Vivino from the Tonight Show Band and was a sub in the Max Weinberg 7 while the show was still in New York. Through this relationship, Brian was able to make music with many of his heros including Michael McDonald, Cindy Lauper, and many great new artists like Duncan Sheik, Rufus Wainwright, and Michael Buble.
Mr. Charette began his training in classical music at age five. He continued with these studies until high school where he began playing guitar and experimenting with jazz. Brian studied classical piano at the Hartt School of Music and the University of Connecticut while continuing to play jazz. After graduation, Brian studied with Charlie Banacos and Kenny Werner.
Bill Milkowski of Jazz Times has called Brian "one of the best of the new breed of B3 Players". Keyboard Magazine's Carl Lumma said "if you care a whit about the future of music you owe this album a listen". Edward Blanco of Ejazzreview calls Charette's playing "Dazzling" and "Virtuosic".
Outside of music, Brian is passionate about Chess and White Crane kung fu in which he holds a black sash. He is currently illustrating and collaborating with his Sifu, Glenn Green, on several books about chinese martial arts.
http://www.facebook.com/pinchbrian?ref=profile is my facebook url and has lots of info about where I'm playing and is updated daily.
My new SteepleChase record is available here: http://www.steeplechase.dk/steeplechase/catalog.cgi?sccd=31678.
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