Written by Trinbagonian trumpeter, composer, and arranger Etienne Charles is poised to release his latest album, “Creole Orchestra,” on September 14, 2024, throughout Europe. The album, to be released on Charles’s own Culture Shock imprint, marks a significant step in his career showcasing his prowess as a large-ensemble arranger.
“Creole Orchestra” features a 22-piece ensemble, marking Charles’s first major foray into big band composition and arrangement. While Charles has built a reputation over nearly two decades as a skilled trumpeter, composer, and improviser, particularly known for his deep understanding of rhythms from Trinidad & Tobago and the Eastern Caribbean, this album represents a new direction in his musical journey.
The genesis of Charles’s venture into large ensemble arranging can be traced back to a collaboration with vocalist Rene Marie. Tasked with arranging a full set of big band tunes for Marie’s touring performances, Charles found himself thrust into the world of large-scale composition. This experience, which he describes as a “baptism by fire,” served as a catalyst for his development as a big band writer.
Since that initial collaboration, Charles has expanded his repertoire, writing for prestigious ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic, Airmen of Note, Charleston Jazz Orchestra, Chicago Jazz Ensemble, Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Jazz Orchestra, and the UK All Steel & Percussion Orchestra (UKASPO). These experiences have honed his skills in orchestration and arrangement, culminating in the creation of “Creole Orchestra.”
The album showcases Charles’s versatility as an arranger, featuring a diverse range of musical styles and influences. From classic swing to contemporary R&B, the tracklist demonstrates Charles’s ability to navigate various genres while maintaining a cohesive sound. A standout example of this versatility is his treatment of two vastly different pieces: the classic swing anthem “Stompin’ at the Savoy” and Bell Biv Devoe’s new jack swing hit “Poison.” Charles’s arrangements of these contrasting works demonstrate his skill in bridging different eras and styles of music.
“Creole Orchestra” also features several guest appearances that add depth and variety to the album. Rene Marie, whose collaboration with Charles sparked his journey into big band arranging, lends her vocals to four of the thirteen tracks. These include “I Wanna Be Evil,” Eartha Kitt’s theme song that was central to Marie and Charles’s first collaboration on her 2013 album of the same name. Marie also performs on the jazz standard “Centerpiece” and two of her original compositions.
Etienne Charles | Photo by Sarah Escarraz
In a nod to contemporary music trends, the album features rapper Brandon Rose and turntablist DJ Logic on the track “Poison.” Their contributions serve to connect Charles’s arrangement with the song’s hip-hop roots, demonstrating his commitment to bridging traditional jazz orchestration with modern musical elements.
The ensemble itself is composed of highly skilled musicians who bring Charles’s arrangements to life. Notable performances include lead trumpeter Jumaane Smith and trombonist Michael Dease on Monty Alexander’s reggae-influenced “Think Twice,” bassist Ben Williams on the hard-swinging “Night Train,” and alto saxophonist Godwin Louis and pianist Sullivan Fortner on Charles’s original calypso composition “Douens.”
Charles’s background plays a significant role in shaping the unique sound of “Creole Orchestra.” Born on July 24, 1983, in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Charles grew up immersed in the rich musical traditions of the Caribbean. His father, Francis Charles, was a member of the renowned Trinidadian steel band Phase II Pan Groove and owned an extensive record collection, exposing young Etienne to a wide array of musical styles from an early age.
This early exposure to diverse musical traditions is evident in Charles’s approach to composition and arrangement. The album seamlessly blends elements of jazz, calypso, and other Caribbean rhythms, creating a sound that is both rooted in tradition and forward-looking in its execution.
Charles’s journey in music began with learning the trumpet as a boy, and by high school, he had followed in his father’s footsteps to become a member of Phase II Pan Groove. However, his growing interest in jazz led him to pursue further studies in the United States. In 2002, Charles enrolled at Florida State University, where he studied under the guidance of celebrated pianist and educator Marcus Roberts, who became a significant mentor in his musical development.
During his time in the United States, Charles quickly gained recognition for his musical abilities. He placed second at the 2005 International Trumpet Guild Jazz Competition in Bangkok, Thailand, and won first place a year later at the U.S. National Trumpet Competition in Fairfax, Virginia. These accolades led to a full scholarship at The Juilliard School of Music, where he earned a master’s degree and established himself in the competitive New York jazz scene.
Charles’s career has been marked by collaborations with a wide range of artists, from Maria Schneider to Wynton Marsalis, in addition to his continued work with Rene Marie. As a bandleader, he has consistently incorporated his knowledge of Caribbean music and rhythms into his jazz compositions and performances. “Creole Orchestra” represents the latest evolution in this musical journey, showcasing his ability to translate these influences into a large ensemble format.
Photo by Sarah Escarraz
The album also serves as a platform for Charles to highlight the often-overlooked role of the arranger in jazz music. In the album notes, Charles writes, “In many musical situations the Arranger has become the ghost. One of the first working on a project and many times the last to be recognized.” Through “Creole Orchestra,” Charles brings the art of arrangement to the forefront, demonstrating its crucial role in shaping the overall sound and impact of a jazz ensemble.
“Creole Orchestra” is Charles’s tenth album as a leader, following his debut “Culture Shock” in 2006. Each of his previous releases has contributed to his reputation as an innovative voice in jazz, blending traditional elements with contemporary influences and his Caribbean heritage. This latest offering represents a significant expansion of his musical palette, demonstrating his growth as a composer and arranger capable of working on a larger scale.
The release of “Creole Orchestra” is anticipated to further cement Charles’s position as a significant figure in contemporary jazz. By showcasing his skills as a large ensemble arranger, the album opens new avenues for Charles’s musical expression and potentially broadens his audience beyond traditional jazz circles.
As mentioned in the introduction to this article, the release of “Creole Orchestra” on September 14, 2024, marks a significant stepin Etienne Charles’s career. This album demonstrates his evolving musical prowess and his skill in blending diverse influences into a unified and innovative composition. “Creole Orchestra” will only be available for purchase as CD or LP and at the time of writing there were no plans to offer the album on streaming platforms. More information on this album, and of cause purchase links can be found on Bandcamp.
Last modified: July 22, 2024
