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Charlie Wood

About Me

Global Music Award – Bronze Medal Winner 2015 & 2016

Life Is But A Groove

Rare and pure of heart best describes the music of this Texas-based multi-talented contemporary jazz guitarist. Charlie’s musical journey began at the age of seven with banjo lessons from his father. At the age of nine, Charlie discovered the guitar and at the age of eleven, his parents gave him his first guitar and they set- up lessons for him with the noted jazz guitarist, Dow Daggett, in San Antonio. Charlie had an immediate bond with the guitar, and it became part of his soul—his essence, which would be revealed more as he grew into adulthood. At the age of 14, Charlie began to play professionally in various genres of music from Rock-N-Roll, R&B, to Blues, and Country. Music was his outlet; it was his expression of who he is. Charlie performed in Pasadena at Gilley’s and was part of Gilley’s road and house band where he had the opportunity to perform with various country greats, such as Johnny Gimble. Eventually, Charlie discovered that his true love is Jazz. After leaving Gilley’s, Charlie focused on the local music scene in San Antonio and realized he wanted only to perform Jazz. His wife, Debbie, encouraged his interests, telling him “don’t grow old and wonder if you could have or should have, just do it.” He soon began work on his first CD. About this time, a new jazz genre was emerging: Contemporary Jazz. When it hit the music scene, Charlie knew he had found his niche. His love of Wes Montgomery and Chet Atkins, influenced Charlie’s playing, as did Joe Pass, Les Paul, BB King, and others. Charlie developed his own style and techniques that touch your heart and make his guitar playing something you love to listen to.

Charlie released his first contemporary jazz CD, In the Thick of the Woods, which received a Grammy nomination in 1996 for Best Contemporary Jazz Album. Wood said of this nomination that he was just so honored to be among those musicians who he listened to and admired. On his second release, Rhythms of the Eclipse, he received great reviews: “Charlie’s music is sound that fuses smooth jazz, straight-up jazz, Latin, funk and ballads. He plays his music with soul, class and imagination” (Jim Beal, Night Lights, Express-News), we felt it revealed Charlie’s inner creativity. His persistence and determination resulted in him opening for such acts as George Howard, Gerald Albright, Walter Beasley, Everett Harp, Brian Culbertson, Fattburger, and Chuck Loeb, Boney James, SpyroGyra, Stanley Jordan, and Kenny Garrett.

Charlie reached another level in his life in 2005 that affected his music, his life, and his whole world. He began playing with musicians from all over the world. These collaborations allowed him to become an International Artist. He played in Israel with various musicians from other countries in a joint venture to help man realize that we are all interconnected and living in an integral world. This project kept Charlie busy as he wrote and recorded new music for this exciting avenue of connection.

His 3rd CD project in 2008, WaterColours, came from Charlie’s heart and soul. Inspired by events in his life, it reflected his thoughts regarding mankind; “Living in Unity” as one man, one heart, and one soul. Kim Stone of the Rippingtons, (featured bassist on WaterColours) stated that this CD is, in his opinion, the best one so far. WaterColours received Grammy nominations in 7 categories, including Best Contemporary Jazz Album. Anthony Brown, PhD., Director of Asian American Orchestra said, “This new CD exhibits an exciting creativity and allows Charlie to venture into new territory. With the release of WaterColours, San Antonio-based guitarist Charlie Wood documents the direction his current direction in shaping the repertoire of jazz guitar. A truly gifted composer/musician, Wood’s music employs a wide range of guitaristic colors, textures and effects that are refreshingly orchestral, with a momentum and sweep that incorporates a variety of influences, both obvious and nuanced. As with his previous release, Rhythms of the Eclipse (2003, Third Stream Productions), Kim Stone, bassist with SpyroGyra and The Rippingtons, and multi-instrumentalist Oscar Cruz play key roles in realizing Charlie Wood’s musical vision.”

In addition to teaching music at his school, Third Stream Music, for the last 26 years, he also teaches classes with his wife, Debbie, in Connective Wisdom. These classes help others discover the need to come together for the common good of all. Charlie performs music before the class begins and after the class is over…the music is a key ingredient, as Charlie knows that music unites people, bringing them to a place of connection. Conducting classes and connection workshops brings people together to the “center” of the circle where everyone can feel each other’s hearts. Charlie said he is able to share his love of music and give back to the community through his music school by teaching those who want music in their lives. He says that music is the universal language and anyone no matter what country they are from, “understands and feels” music. It’s a sensation, a feeling from within.

In 2012 and 2013 Charlie was given the great opportunity to be the music director for two play productions, “Ring of Fire” a musical homage to Johnny Cash and a play called “Precious” which touched on an emotional topic of Alzheimer’s. Both plays were sold out every night. This was such a great opportunity to further broaden his music abilities, to reach the public with a feeling, an emotion.

The year 2016 brought more awards for Charlie as he won two Bronze Medals from the Global Music Awards for two of his songs: “East Meets West” and “Rhythms of the Eclipse.” This prestigious award is given for professionalism, creativity, listener impact, technical quality, uniqueness, and styling. It was such an honor to be considered by this organization and its contributions to the music industry.

Also, in 2016, Charlie began working on his 4th Jazz CD entitled, Shadows. Charlie has completed work on his “spiritual” CD containing 5 amazing melodies that he composed, and an Americana CD with songs about connection and unity that he also helped compose. Charlie wants also to re-release his second CD, Rhythms of the Eclipse. Charlie can be found in a majority of social networking scenes on the Internet, i.e., Face Book, YouTube and his own website (www.charliewoodjazz.com). Charlie’s accomplishments have earned him endorsements by Epiphone Guitars, D’Addario Strings, Dunlop Picks and most recently, Zemaitis Guitars. He is a member of BMI and NARAS.

His wife, Debbie says “I never realized how many people Charlie touches—musically, in his Kabbalah studies and the classes he teaches, and through his Connective Wisdom teachings, he is so humble. He never brags, he likes being low-key, I am the braggart.” He truly lives what he teaches and is a perfect role model of a man who lives in unity and connection with the world—he receives only in order to bestow. Charlie is not a man of many words but speaks his heart through his music. He said to cover all things with love and in times of obstacles—go above it. Charlie has a profound effect on everyone he knows, teaches, performs and/or is friends with. Charlie always said that success is relative—if you can make a living doing what you love—that is success. It’s apparent that Charlie’s guitar is his “medium” for connection and it is quite evident that Charlie’s music comes from his heart and for certain, whether you heard Charlie live or on CD, he will captivate yours.

Management: Third Stream Productions Debbie Wood (210) 779-0567 or (210) 496-0583

My Jazz Story

I love jazz because...it fills my soul I was first exposed to jazz...I was taught guitar by a Jazz player named Dow Daggett who also taught Jackie King I met [musician name]... The best show I ever attended was...too many to name The first jazz record I bought was... My advice to new listeners...listen with your heart and feel the sensations of the performer Or whatever else you have in mind.