CharlieDennard.com The official journal for musician and performer, Charlie Dennard.

Sao Paulo

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 17:28:00 +0000

It’s hard to believe that I’ve actually been living in Brazil for over a year now… I was thinking about this the other day as a helicopter landed on top of one of the office buildings behind our apartment here in Sao Paulo. With over 18 million people (and growing!) Sao Paulo has attained the status of the 4th largest city in the world and has done so more rapidly than any other metropolis on the planet. It’s a crazy place but I love it and it really is the cultural centre of S. America. Virtually everything exists here and I’m really enjoying my studies and the new projects that I’m involved with. Speaking of which - I have a new Brazilian organ trio featuring Thiago Pinheiros (drums) and Daniel Andreotti (guitar) that is currently in the studio recording a new all original jazz CD and my Electrolounge project with DJ Rene is rehearsing for some upcoming shows with GrooveSamba. You can preview some of the music here: (www.idisk.mac.com/charliedennard-public). My last couple of gigs with Pedro Alterio (myspace.com/pedroalterio) went really well also and we’re getting closer to recording his new album and doing more concerts in the near future too… Hope everyone is doing well amidst this global financial crisis that we’re having – but please remember to support the arts and think about peaceful and positive things! Until next time…

Highlights of last months activities:

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:07:00 +0000

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!

The Brazilian Beat

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 20:39:00 +0000

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 - Sao Paulo, Brazil

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 02:20:00 +0000

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

Sao Paulo, Brazil

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:32:00 +0000

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!

Currently on tour in S. America...

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:26:00 +0000

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

Gijon, Spain

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 14:32:00 +0000

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...

The Circus Cowboy Blues

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:00:00 +0000

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!

Paris, France

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Sat, 19 May 2007 10:50:00 +0000

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.

Barcelona, Spain

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 15:51:00 +0000

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…

Recording session in Spain

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 01:56:00 +0000

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…

2007 tour dates

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 02:00:00 +0000

Cirque du Soleil - "Alegria"
Europe & S. America

Jan. 5 - Feb. 11 ~ London, England
Feb. 22 - April 29 ~ Barcelona, Spain
May 10 - July 15 ~ Paris, France
July 26 - Aug. 26 ~ Gijon, Spain
Sept. 14 - Oct. 7 ~ Curitiba, Brazil
Oct. 19 - Nov. 11 ~ Brazillia, Brazil
Nov. 22 - Dec. 16 ~ Belo Horiz, Brazil

London, England

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 22:11:00 +0000

We’re back at the Royal Albert Hall for 6 weeks with “Alegria” again. All of us are extremely glad to get out of the big top and into a proper theatre for a change. London is still one of my favorite cities in the world and thanks to global warming - it’s not even that cold and rainy now! Anyway, Happy New Year everyone and I wish you all a peaceful and prosperous 2007. Cheers!

Madrid, Spain

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 12:37:00 +0000

As the 4th largest city in Europe, Madrid seems to be a place for nightlife, business, and tourism. Most people don’t have dinner before 10 PM and therefore it is not uncommon for bars and clubs to stay open until at least 4 AM… Of course, in observance with the local tradition, a daily ‘siesta’ for 3 hours in the afternoon is necessary with this kind of lifestyle. When exploring the city center on Gran Via there are several Spanish versions of Broadway classics such as Los Productores and Mamma Mia as well as new release films at La Palacia de la Musica such as Los Infiltrados. One also doesn’t have to venture far before confronting one of the many roundabouts that circle beautiful monuments and plazas like the Puerta de Alcala (pictured). The ancient Spanish architecture is everywhere and it makes me wonder what it would be like to be back in a new ‘modern’ city in N. America again… But then again, where could I have tapas and hear the best flamenco music in the world if I wasn’t here?

Paris, Budapest and Frankfurt

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 20:31:00 +0000

There’s been no shortage of excitement and adventure for me while traveling through Europe over the last two weeks. 48 hours in Paris was infinitely good for the soul – from eating crepes while promenading down les Champs Elysees to traversing the stairs up la Tour Eiffel – I have never felt so at home and comfortable in all of Europe. One of my friends wrote to me saying that he could see me living there and playing in an African hip-hop band or something… Maybe I should listen to my friends more often. Then I spent 3 crazy days in Budapest dodging political protests and demonstrations that were taking place in front of their grandiose Parliament. I remember taking a taxi along the Danube River hearing the Eastern European pop music blaring on the radio and looking out the window witnessing the ancient and eclectic architecture as it whizzed by. What a surreal spectacle… After all of this, I landed in Frankfurt and experienced the premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s show “Dralion”. The Asian influenced acrobatics, music and staging were phenomenal and once again I was truly inspired by yet another one of Cirques unique productions. Escaping the police who were collecting tickets on the train (because we didn’t have any) was just the icing on the cake. Now, it’s flooding in Madrid, as we get ready for another 7 weeks of relentless shows… Until next time – take it easy and keep in touch.

Brussels, Belgium

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:27:00 +0000

Here I am in Brussels, the capital of the European Union, wondering what to do (besides 10 shows a week!). I’ve only had a taste of the infamous Belgian waffles, beer, and chocolate so far but have not been disappointed - to say the least. Brussels definitely has a rather diplomatic feel to the city and seems to ooze with cross-cultural people who mostly speak French, Flemish and English. I guess that my gig here with the circus and it’s 117 employees from over 13 countries will fit in rather nicely and hopefully be successful. Already today we performed for the lovely Queen of Belgium and she seemed delighted. Sometimes I have to remind myself that the story of “Alegria” with its undertones of joy and sadness and the struggle for power has a real importance and is still relevant to our current state of affairs on the global level. Maybe it is our duty as artists to make this statement more apparent and to try and actually make a difference in the world…

Copenhagen, Denmark

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 13:35:00 +0000

Eating some delicious wienerbrood at the Copenhagen airport the other day was definitely a fitting ending to my week of travels in the "Viking" country of southern Scandinavia. From the picturesque view of Nyhavn to the exquisite shopping district of Strojen – Copenhagen seemed to be one of the nicest cites that I’ve visited. Cruising through the rolling plains out in the Danish countryside filled with those big white skinny windmills was even more tranquil and therapeutic too. Fortunately my local friends Martin and Rasmus pointed us in the right direction and gave us the royal treatment regarding hospitality. I must admit that eating those eggs straight from the chickens in Martins backyard was a real treat! Even the Carlsberg beer tasted better in the country where it is manufactured. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to go back again someday…

The Rolling Stones - Amsterdam, Netherlands

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 00:42:00 +0000

One of the best parts of my job is that I occasionally get to meet famous people. Yea, that’s me (pictured) with Chuck Leavell (keyboards) and Ron Wood (guitar) from the Rolling Stones backstage at their concert here this week in Amsterdam! To make things even better, the very next day Ron and his wife Jo came to see us perform with “Alegria” along with the Stones long-time sax man Bobby Keys. I still can’t quite believe it and this dream would have never come true if it wasn’t for my extremely generous neighbor from Georgia – Mr. Chuck Leavell. We all had a blast and Chuck and the Stones looked and sounded incredible. Thanks a million Chuck and keep on rockin’ those 88's in the free world!

Amsterdam, Nederlands

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 13:16:00 +0000

There is no place like Amsterdam. These vast lowlands that were always subject to flooding were almost completely overlooked by the ancient Romans and therefore gave this region the privilege of developing freely without restrictions by open-minded and wealthy traders as well as connosseurs of the exotic. The beautiful weather this time of year brings out the tourist in all of us but the laissez-faire attitude that this region was built upon keeps everyone in good spirits. As the fresh aroma of herbs float through the canals, window shoppers casually peek into the districts sprinkled with red lights in hopes of purchasing a few minutes of love. Nothing really seems to matter here and literally ‘anything goes’ but in a unique way that’s what keeps the society under control and rather peaceful. I only wish that more people and places in the world could embrace such a concept.

Arrivederci Italia

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 23:47:00 +0000

After 5 long and somewhat ambitious months here in Italy, it’s now time to take a quick tour break before heading to Amsterdam in July for our next jaunt of the European tour. Although Italy and I did not always agree, I think that I will come away from this experience with a lot more appreciation and knowledge of the immense history and culture here as well as a much deeper understanding of why the Italians do what they do and act the way that they act. I will definitely miss the Italian café, vino, gelato, siestas, historical sights, and the slightly dramatic attitudes that permeate this crazy country… Maybe someday I'll have the opportunity to come back for some more of it's romance. Ciao Italia et grazie mille!

On Top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Mon, 15 May 2006 18:41:00 +0000

Without a doubt, climbing all 294 crooked and deeply worn stairs to the top of the infamous ‘Leaning Tower of Pisa’ was just the beginning of my adventure into the beautiful Tuscany region of Italy a few weeks ago. It all started in Pisa as I walked through the gate of Santa Maria that opens into the mysterious Piazza dei Miracole (Square of Miracles) where historical monuments and buildings – including the tower – can be found that span over 3 centuries (11th-13th AD). From there, I went to Viarregio and wined and dined with my old musician friend Andrea before he played a gig with some rather bombastic Italian rock-n-rollers. Even the house table wine in Viarregio was amazing and it was even more assuring to find out that they celebrate Mardi Gras there also. I eventually stayed the night in Luca in a cozy little chateau overlooking the vineyards where I woke up to roosters crowing and the smell of a hearty home-cooked Italian lunch compliments of Andrea’s mother. It’s definitely times like these that make life on the road a little more enjoyable! If only it could always be this good…

Venice, Italy

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 00:04:00 +0000

Apparently, Venice still basically looks as it did during the 13th Century. Thankfully, the small stone alleyways and bridges that weave through the myriad of canals don’t accommodate our more modern day cars either! Getting lost amongst the maze of streets all lined with art galleries and museums is only half the fun too. Seeing classical musicians singing operettas in the street, string quartets playing Vivaldi in the theaters, and all of the beautiful historical buildings and sites makes me really wonder if there could be a more unique arts community anywhere in the world. Even the water in the canals had more of a fresh saltwater smell than I had imagined and without the pollution of cars everywhere I found it to be one of the cleaner cities that I have ever been. Happy Easter everyone! Vai a Venezia...

Cirque du Soleil in Milan, Italy

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 11:40:00 +0000

Northern Italy can be a dark, cold and rainy place this time of year - but that hasn't stopped the full capacity crowds from heating up our grand chapiteau with their enthusiastic energy and typical latin-flared spirits... When the sun does shine here in Milan, the city seems to transform itself from the grey and graffiti drenched underworld into a much more interesting and historical gem of a society. Although I haven't met any supermodels or seen anything particularly more fashionable than the ever so common all black urban wear yet, I have eaten more pizza and pasta than ever before and I'm kind of enjoying not having a Starbucks anywhere around... Ciao e tanti auguri!

Jazz Ambassadors of New Orleans in Italy

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 11:54:00 +0000

A traditional funky brass band from New Orleans is something that should not only be heard but literally 'experienced' in a live setting. I just had the privilege of performing a few songs last week with the Jazz Ambassadors in Rome Italy at a beautiful venue called La Palma at the end of their extensive European tour. The audience was perhaps perplexed at first because of the band’s astounding grooves and fierce energy but by the second half of the show the people were virtually dancing on the tables and parading around the club in a traditional New Orleans 2nd line style reminiscent of Mardi Gras. To see the crowd respond to this music so far away from home in such a positive way gave me a glimmer of hope for the future of New Orleans and it’s music. I don’t know if music could necessarily change the world in which we live, but if anything I know that live music in general could make a big difference and could at least provide people with some sort of universal understanding, happiness, and compassion towards one another.

Charlie in New Orleans music videos - DVD

noreply@blogger.com (charlie dennard) — Mon, 16 Jan 2006 15:27:00 +0000

Recently rescued from the archives, this DVD compilation features Charlie performing with 4 of his favorite and most prestigious ensembles in New Orleans from 1998-2002. These simulcasts were recorded at Tippitina's 8th Floor Studios and the Louisiana Jukebox and were originally aired on local and regional TV as well as global webcasts. Bands include the New World Funk Ensemble, Theresa Andersson Group, Stanton Moore's "Moore & More", and Quintology. A special bonus edition includes interviews, photo's, and behind the scenes information... Artwork by Frenchy was also created live during other band performances in New Orleans. This DVD is for promotional purposes only and is NOT for sale. However, this music was meant to be seen and heard by all - so for more information please use the contact form... Enjoy!!!