Jordan Young Trio featuring Brian Charette 2014

2014 Aug 2, Saturday 2:00 – 3:00 pm Main Stage South

Jordan Young:

Jordan Young

In the last 10 years drummer Jordan Young has been making a name for himself as one of the premier jazz drummers in New York City. He has performed and recorded as sideman for many top jazz artists such as Javon Jackson, Steve Wilson, Steve Nelson and Peter Bernstein to name a few. Jordan has recorded two albums as a leader. His debut recording aptly named “The Jordan Young Group” was self released in 2010, and “Cymbal Melodies” released on the Posi-Tone label in 2013. Both recordings met with critical acclaim.  In addition, Jordan was recently selected to take part in the prestigious Artist Diploma program at The Juilliard School with travels around the globe representing the school.

Currently, Jordan leads a successful organ trio that has toured internationally and performs steadily in and around the New York City area.  Naturally, the trio is inspired by all the great classic organ group’s from the 60’s and 70’s. Artists such as Big John Patton, Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, Larry Young and Melvin Rhyne to name a few all play an important role in the development of the trio’s sound. While rooted in the “Be-Bop” and “Soul-Jazz” tradition the trio comes together to create a hard swinging, creative and always forward thinking music.  He’s bringing his latest trio to the motor city featuring Grammy Nominated organist Brian Charette and guitarist Ralph Tope.

Brian Charette

Brian Charette:

Grammy nominated, Hammond organist, Brian Charette has established himself as a leading voice in modern jazz. He has worked with many notable artists such as Joni Mitchell, Chaka Khan, Lou Donaldson, and countless others. Since moving to New York in 1995 from his native Meriden, Connecticut, Charette has become an integral part of the New York City jazz scene.

Brian Charette on keys

Brian is a SteepleChase recording artist, and has just released his third recording for them, “Music for Organ Sextette”. He also just finished a solo organ recording that came out in January 2013. Brian performs regularly all over the world. This year, Brian has been playing very successful engagements in NYC, LA, Spain, Indonesia, Czech Republic, and Germany.

Ralph Tope:

Ralph Tope (Detroit, MI) picked up the guitar at the age of 16 after hearing Detroit jazz guitar stalwart Perry Hughes. Ralph went to see Perry play constantly, sitting quietly in the audience and intently watching every move. After many months of appearing at his gigs but never approaching Perry, Mr. Hughes finally asked Ralph why he kept coming out. Ralph exclaimed he wanted to play guitar like him and after much prodding Perry agreed to teach him. Within a few short years, Ralph became and remains an in-demand player on the Detroit scene. Ralph’s style is influenced by the best of the great jazz guitarists including George Benson, Grant Green, and Wes Montgomery.