CharlieDennard.com

First off, the new Razl CD (pictured) entitled “Rotonova” has finally been released featuring myself alongside such greats as Mike Keneally, Dean Brown, Bryan Beller, and Damian Erskine!!! Intergalactic dirty guitar grooves for earthling weirdos best describes this stellar recording by the Madrid-based guitar god Raul Huelves… Muchas gracias Razl & felicitaciones! Secondly, some of the recording sessions at the Sol Lua studio that I made are being used for a new national TV show in Brazil entitled “Revelacao” as well as some local commercial jingles around Sao Paulo. Lastly, an interesting new project called Groove Samba that mixes the house grooves of DJ Zaquinho with live samba drums and percussion has approached me to possibly compose and collaborate with them in the near future… Please stay tuned for more excitement and adventure coming your way soon!

Being in Brazil has been one of the most musically inspiring experiences of my life. Not only have I learned more about the incredible depth of the Brazilian masters such as Ivan Lins, Egberto Gismonti, and Chico Buarque to name a few – I have also discovered countless newer artists like CeU, Hamilton de Holanda, Andre Mehmari and Lenine. What’s even more amazing is that I’ve had the sincere privilege of working with a couple of the youngest ‘next generation’ of Brazilian composers – Pedro Alterio (pictured) and Dani Black. In addition to being extremely well versed in the repertoire of their mentors, these new musicians are writing songs with the harmonic complexity and poetic text that seem to be non-existent in today’s popular music. I’m really happy to be here and to be involved with people such as Pedro and Dani because I know that these guys have a great future ahead of them. I only hope that some of their creative talents will wear off on me as the influence of Brazil continues to inspire and enhance my endless musical journey…

The Electrolounge Project is one of my newest projects to emerge out of my home studio. Combining elements of urban jazz and soul music (that would be from me!) with the elegant vocal improvisations of Swiss/Moroccan singer Malika Alaoui and the ever-so-clever cutting edge programming techniques of DJ Rene Penaloza from S. America; the group is starting to take shape and transform itself into an international pop phenomenon that is headed for success amongst the electro lounge airwaves and underground music scene. For down-tempo/chill music connoisseurs with a taste of style – this project will be a necessity (and I can’t wait to hear what everyone else thinks too!). We’re headed back to the studio here in Brazil next month – so feel free to spread the word and tune in for more updates as the story unfolds… Peace

Happy (Late) New Year everyone! Coincidentally, this year has started with a “Grande Finale” of sorts for me. After performing over 1,700 shows in 12 different countries, I have just completed my 5-year tour of duty with Cirque du Soleil’s “Alegria” in beautiful Rio de Janeiro. Words alone can’t describe what a phenomenal experience this has been and I think that all of the countless people, places and incredible memories will be forever embedded into my heart and soul. Of course, I have fallen in love in (and with) Brazil so I will be setting up my new international headquarters here in Sao Paulo to be with my girlfriend Mariana and work with as many musicians as possible. There’s a real spirit here in Brazil that reminds me a lot of back home in New Orleans – the food, music, culture, chaos, excitement and people are some of the best in the world. I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying life to it’s fullest. Take care and please keep in touch!

I think almost every Brazilian person that I have ever known or worked with has been a bit crazy! Performing here in Curitiba has only confirmed my thoughts becuase the energy coming from the audience each night feels insanely beautiful. Just listening to the local radio and enjoying the local scenery has been inspirational as well. I’m really looking forward to experiencing more of it!

Cirque du Soleil – “Alegria”
Curitiba, Brazil ~ Sept. 14 – Oct. 7
Brasilia, Brazil ~ Oct. 19 -Nov. 11
Belo Horizonte, Brazil ~ Nov. 22 – Dec. 16
Rio de Janiero ~ Dec. 27 – Jan. 20

www.myspace.com/charliedennard
www.web.mac.com/charliedennard

Located along the northern coast of Spain, Gijon is a beautiful town that caters to local spanish tourists during the summer season. I can ride my bike on the pedestrian walkway next to the beach almost all the way to work – and if there aren’t too many people I can usually get there in 20 minutes! It’s very relaxing and there was an impressive airshow today above our bigtop… This is the perfect city for the finale of our ’06-’07 European tour. Also, I just updated my music tracks on MySpace.com/charliedennard and I also have a new website http://web.mac.com/charliedennard. Please drop by and have a listen and say hello sometime! Adios amigos…

I’m certainly enjoying living and working in Paris at the moment. Excellent food, good jazz and beautiful women seem to be in abundance in this part of the world. If only the metro was a little cleaner and more people felt the need to wear deodorant – this place would almost be ideal. I’ve also had the privilege of visiting with several old friends who have been passing through which has been nice. In fact my last friend to visit, Anders Larson, and I actually recorded some exciting new pop songs of his while he was here that will be posted on the website soon! Let’s see, what else? Oh yea, I have officially given my resignation for “Alegria” and will complete my tour of duty with Cirque du Soleil on Dec. 31st in Rio de Janeiro. Although it has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life so far, after 5 years of performing the same music I am ready to move on to yet another musical adventure. Where I will go and what I will do I’m not exactly sure yet, but for some reason Nashville seems to be calling my name… I only hope that the reverse culture shock of being back in the states doesn’t last long and I will be able to get back into the groove of things promptly – yeehaw!

Over a quarter of a million people came to see “Alegria” throughout the last 10 weeks (91 shows!) in Barcelona. Needless to say, there’s some serious ‘auto-pilot’ going on when doing a gig like this. However, one night towards the end of our run there as we were scrubbing the clown make-up off our faces (my favorite part of the day) our new British sound guy comes into the dressing room and says in his strong Ringo Star-like accent, “Hey mates, Roger Waters band is outside and fancies a meetin’ ya.” At first I was like, “Yeah, right,” but he kept insisting (while laughing) so I waltzed out into the artistic tent looking like one of those chicks with the green cucumber masks on my face to prove him wrong – but instead was suddenly confronted by almost the entire Roger Waters band! How bizarre is that!?! Anyway, we didn’t get to see their show in Barcelona because we had to work (big surprise there – NOT) but they did invite us to their Paris concert since that is where we are presently for the next couple of months. So, I am here to tell you that I haven’t seen a show that big that sounded that perfect before ever! The mix, special fx, video and overall sound quality was just unbelievable. Not to mention the incredible musicianship and the fact that they played the entire “Dark Side of the Moon” album from beginning to end… Wow, what a treat! Pictured is myself with Dave Kilminster (guitar) and John Carin (keys) from the Roger Waters band.

Regardless of the rain in Spain and our unyielding work schedule, Barcelona has proven to be one of the most exhilarating cities that I’ve ever visited. Riding my bike around this historic city leaves me in awe of its magnificent modern architecture as well as its beautiful beaches and surrounding mountains. It’s no wonder that artists such as Gaudi, Dali, and Picasso got much of their inspiration from this region – it certainly has affected me…

During my final month in Madrid last year I had the great fortune of meeting an incredible guitarist and composer named Raul Huelves (www.razlplanet.com). After hearing his music and realizing that our musical influences were very similar, he kindly asked me to record some keyboard tracks for his upcoming CD. So, on my day off this week I flew back to Madrid from Barcelona (where I am working now until the end of April) and laid down a plethora of Fender Rhodes and Hammond organ tracks for him. It was inspirational to be back in the studio again and it made me realize how much I miss that creative process and environment. Raul’s music sounds like a unique blend of jazzy funk (think Charlie Hunter/John Scofield) mixed with just the right amount of complexity and humor of someone like Frank Zappa. Other special guests on the album are bass players Damian Erskine (son of jazz legend Peter Erskine) and Bryan Beller (from Steve Vai’s band), as well as additional guitar by Dean Brown (from Brecker Brothers to Billy Cobham) and turntables and sound effects by Spain’s own DJ Zeta. I can’t wait to hear the final mix! Stay tuned for more information on this one…