EPISODE 75 - Brian Charette

Rabbit Hole Sessions with Abe Ovadia

New York City organist/pianist, Brian Charette, has established himself as a leading voice in modern jazz. Charette is a Hammond U.S.A, Hammond Europe, I.K Multimedia, and Casio endorsed, Cellar Live recording artist. Brian is currently #2 on the 2024 Downbeat Critic’s Poll for organ and #6 for keyboards. Brian was also the winner of the 2014 Downbeat Critics’ Poll “Rising Star: Organ” award and 2015 Hot House Magazine's “Fan's Decision Jazz Award for Best Organist”. Charette’s new Cellar Live release, Jackpot, was recorded at Rudy Van Gelder’s hallowed studio featuring Bill Stewart on drums. The album received 4 stars from Downbeat and was on the Jazzweek radio chart for months, peaking at #9 for 6 weeks. Charette is also a prolific composer of large ensemble music, penning and performing compositions with The Jazz Dock Orchestra in Prague and The Modern Art Orchestra in Budapest.
Born in Meriden, Connecticut in 1972, Brian was introduced to music by his mother, Catherine. By the age of 17, he was playing with jazz luminaries such as Lou Donaldson and Houston Person. Since graduating on the Dean's List from UConn in 1994 with a BA in Music, Charette has been performing extensively in Europe and the USA with his home base being the East Village, NYC. Brian is a staple of the downtown NYC scene working with virtually everyone who plays with an organist.
Brian has performed with many notable artists such as Joni Mitchell, Chaka Khan, Paul Simon, Cyndi Lauper, Oz Noy, Vinnie Colaiuta, John Patitucci, and many more. Charette is also an active author and educator, writing for Keyboard Magazine, The New York City Jazz Record, DownBeat, Electronic Musician and the Czech magazine, Muzikus. Brian teaches masterclasses all over the world and is on the faculty of the Czech Summer Jazz Workshop at Jesek Conservatory in Prague. In NYC, he teaches lessons and group classes at The New School and 92nd Y School of Music. His first book, 101 Hammond B3 Tips, released through publisher Hal Leonard, has become very popular, as well as his videos on the website, mymusicmasterclass.com. Outside of music, Charette is passionate about White Crane kung fu, in which he holds a black sash.