I N - T H I S - I S S U E :

Etienne Charles’ Creole Soul

Trumpeter Etienne Charles celebrated his new CD, Creole Soul, at the Kerrytown Concert House in Ann Arbor on September 14. The program was largely from the CD: a mix of his own originals, a couple of Tin Pan Alley standards, and lots of Afro-Caribbean material, such as calypsos by fellow Trinidadian Mighty Sparrow.

Charles showed his mastery of the trumpet as he easily transitioned from the pensive (on “Memories) to rapid fire (“Midnight”). Fellow Michigan State faculty member, tenorist Diego Rivera, was a perfect frontline companion, and Randy Napoleon adapted his guitar licks just right. The rhythm section was sparked by Pepe Espinoza’s congas and the dynamic drumming of newcomer Judson Branam IV. The leader often added his own ideas when he put down the trumpet and picked up various percussion instruments.

TOP (from left): Etienne Charles, Judson Branam, and Pepe Espinoza
RIGHT: Diego Rivera

photographs by Lars Bjorn