Results for "The Charles Craig Band"

Pianist Charles Craig

Born: November 12

Charles "JP" Craig, a seasoned jazz pianist, grew up in Chicago. Charles served with his father Rev. Dr. Lawrence L. Craig, Sr. at Carter Temple C.M.E Church in Chicago, IL. Charles was mentored by the legendary Grammy Winning Ramsey Lewis, an innovative artist who taught him the importance of playing with dynamic versatility. Charles honed in on his skills early performing alongside Ramsey Lewis's sons, Bobby Lewis and Frayne Lewis, known in the midwest as the Brothers Lewis Trio, gaining invaluable experience on the Chicago Jazz scene. The Late Great Mulgrew Miller also mentored Charles in hard bop during his stint at The Jazz Showcase formerly at the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago, shaping Charles's musical foundation. This foundation led to Charles branching out into the Smooth Jazz sector where he helped forge the sound and soul of Chicago Saxophonist Art Porter solidifying Art's recording contract with Verve Forecast/PolyGram Records.