An interview with Brian Charette: I hope to brighten peoples lives with my music: Video

Jazz Interview with jazz organist Brian Charette. interview by email in writing.

JazzBluesNews.Space: – First let’s start with where you grew up, and what got you interested in music?

Brian Charette: – I grew up in Meriden Ct and had a piano in my house. My mother played piano, and I would sit at it for hours a day when I was young.

JBN.S: – What interested you in picking up the organ?

BCH: – It happened by mistake. I needed to get a Hammond keyboard for a Blues gig I was doing on the road. I was unpacking the rig in my kitchen and I got a call to play an organ gig right down the street (St. Marks Pl. East Village).

JBN.S: – What teacher or teachers helped you progress to the organ you are today? What made you choose the organ?

BCH: – I only had 2 lessons; One with Sam Yahel and one with Larry Goldings. I chose organ because there was a lot of gigs for organ and not a lot of organists compared to pianists.

JBN.S: – What about the Your sound did that influence at all? What did you do to find and develop your sound?

BCH: – I was very influenced by Rock organists as well as Jazz ones. My 1st Jazz organ influence was Mel Rhyne from Wes Montgomery’s early recordings. Then of course, Jimmy Smith and Larry Young. I’m also into early organist’s like Ethel Smith and Milt Buckner.

JBN.S: – What practice routine or exercise have you developed to maintain and improve your current musical ability especially pertaining to rhythm?

BCH: – I don’t really practice at all.

JBN.S: – Many aspiring musicians are always looking for advice when navigating thru the music business. Is there any piece of advice you can offer to aspiring students or even your peers that you believe will help them succeed and stay positive in this business?

BCH: – Do everything yourself and expect no results 🙂

JBN.S: – Аnd finally jazz can be a business today and someday?

BCH: – Yes, I make 90% of my living from playing Jazz.

JBN.S: – How can we get young people interested in jazz when most of the standard tunes are from half-a-century ago?

BCH: – We should write new music for ourselves that’s interesting and incorporates modern ideas.

JBN.S: – John Coltrane said that music was his spirit. How do you understand the spirit and the meaning of life?

BCH: – I don’t really understand unfortunately. I wish I knew!

JBN.S: – What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

BCH: – I hope to brighten peoples lives with my music and I fear the day I can’t do that anymore.

JBN.S: – What’s the next musical frontier for you?

BCH: – I’m writing music and arrangements for my 1st gig at the Blue Note as a leader in NYC May 21. George Coleman will play with us 🙂

JBN.S: – Are there any similarities between the blues/jazz and the genres of local folk music and traditional forms?

BCH: – Yes of course all genres of music are very closely related

JBN.S: – Who do you find yourself listening to these days?

BCH: – I listen to German electronic music mostly and American soft rock from 1976-1982.

Conversation led: Simon Sargsyan