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Charles Small

About Me

Charles Small began his career in Milwaukee,Wisconsin [his hometown].As a teenager in the 1960's, he performed and recorded with the popular local soul music band, �The Montclairs�. Later he became the musical director for the �Esquires�, a local group that enjoyed major national success, their hits are still played on oldie and r&b radio today. Charles studied jazz in the 1970's at the Wisconsin Conservatory of music under the direction of Tony King and Manty Ellis. Charles played guitar in the conservatory's award winning jazz combo, and was awarded the recognition of outstanding guitarist for the ensemble. Adding to his tremendous experience as a jazz musician, through the years Charles has had the great honor to perform with jazz greats Freddy Hubbard, Buddy Montgomery, Marlena Shaw, Idris Muhhamed, Bobby Caldwell, Brian Lynch, Marcus Robinson, Dave Hazeltine, and George Cables who encouraged him to move to Los Angeles to expand upon his music career. Charles currently performs and records with the great jazz and blues vocalist �Barbara Morrison� (Jazz Crusaders, Johnny Otis) who also teaches voice at the esteemed UCLA University under the direction of jazz guitar legend �Kenny Burrell�. Charles also performs with �Evan's Mixed Bag�, a great touring nine piece jazz band, and the �Sunday Morning Band� led by music industry veteran, producer, composer, arranger, Clarence McDonald. Now Charles has recorded his own debut CD entitled �Small Talk� which is currently enjoying much success in the USA at jazz, NPR, college, cable, and satellite stations, and capturing the ears and hearts of

My Jazz Story

I love jazz because...JAZZ,I feel is the most beautiful,most intellectual,most soulful of all the music genres I was first exposed to jazz...growing up in Milwaukee in the '50's,'60's ,jazz was very prevalent I met [musician name]...many great musicians,some of them superstars. The best show I ever attended was...I've seen so many The first jazz record I bought was...Beyond The Blue Horizon,George Benson My advice to new listeners...enjoy the great music. Or whatever else you have in mind.