Breaking News: Charlie Dennard is alive and well and living in New Orleans, LA

In March of 2020, I was in Germany with the Cirque du Soleil. Then, something happened…

Fast forward, I have released Side A of some of my favorite Brazilian Jazz tracks with my new project, Trio​-​zinho.

You can listen (and buy!) this music on BandCamp.

Intuitions – Charlie Dennard (release date 2/1/2020)

Intuitions is a solo recording of all improvised music that was made in New Orleans, LA from the year 2000. There was no preconceived concept or preparation of any sort going into this recording and no editing or overdubs after the fact. The result is a very raw and honest recording that is both intuitive and introspective. 
When I recently stumbled upon this recording, (after 20 years!) I was struck by the fluidity and continuity that it represented. It feels very relaxing and I enjoy listening to it over and over… each time discovering new ideas and nuances. The music really flows freely and seems to create subtle harmonic and melodic moods that are tranquil and evocative, intricate and engaging at the same time. 
This recording is a true exploration into the world of modal harmony and melodic counterpoint that has no boundaries and takes the listener on a journey into a deep, dark and beautiful world that can only be imagined and appreciated in the moment. I’m very happy to release it now and I hope you enjoy it too!

 

Preview and purchase on BandCamp!

 

 

Record Release – Melodias

Melodias (“melodies” in Portuguese) is a solo piano recording of me playing some of my favorite Brazilian ballads and slightly more obscure jazz standards in a very relaxed and casual environment. It’s like me in my living room at home playing for my own enjoyment. This recording is even more special to me because it was made on my own personal 1927 Steinway model L piano that I love dearly.
Music is my therapy and playing and listening to music is what I do when I come home from a long day/night at work to unwind. It’s actually how I start the day too. This recording represents that freedom to me as well as the melancholic desire to reminisce and reflect…
One of the main influences on this recording comes from the time that I spent in Brazil about 10 years ago (2008-2009). The music and musicians that I encountered during my stay there had a profound impact on me and I am continually discovering and learning even more about Brazilian music, history and culture to this day. I sincerely hope that my interpretations of some of this music can lead to others making similar discoveries and inquiries into some of these amazing artists.
Another one of my earliest influences on piano was George Winston and I think his very simplistic and meditative approach definitely manifests itself here on this recording whether it be literally or conceptually. In addition to the composers of the songs on this recording, some of my many other (lesser known) jazz piano influences are Clare Fischer, George Shearing, Alan Pasqua, Bobo Stenson, Fred Hersch, Ralph Towner, Eliane Elias, Mario Laginha, Bugge Wesseltoft, all of Marian McPartland’s piano jazz and the Maybeck Recital Hall piano recordings – and of course my college professors Jeff Laibson (University of Miami) and Ellis Marsalis (University of New Orleans). 
Melodias is a beautiful record that I am very happy to release. It’s no frills and nothing ridiculously over played. I love it’s sense of flowing and melodic and harmonic content that is very soothing and sincere.

About the tracks

Oceano – This song is by the Brazilian pop artist Djavan, who I saw perform live in São Paulo in 2009. It’s a beautiful ballad in 3/4 time, and has become an anthem at his concerts; the poetic lyrics speak of the deep sea of passion of a love that’s gone. I tried to emulate the ebb and flow of the ocean waves in the intro and the first verse is more freely expressed in hopes of giving it that longing sensation. I wanted to stay true to the power of the original melody and harmony.

 

Palhaço – Written by the Brazilian composer and virtuoso (guitar & piano) Egberto Gismonti, Palhaço means clown in Portuguese. Because of my circus background and the fact that this was my former Brazilian wife’s favorite song when she was younger – I thought it was appropriate and wanted to include it on this record. This song has a somewhat simple folksong type of melody with almost a slow gospel 6/8 feel that lends itself to some nice improvisation on the chord changes in the last section.

Dream of the Return – One of the many beautiful songs by Pat Metheny – who has been one of the most influential musicians and composers in my entire life. His music is so uniquely constructed and always pleasing to my ear. I play a lot of songs from the Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays songbook on piano and this song in particular really speaks to me. Metheny’s music is heavily influenced and incorporates a lot of Brazilian elements and for me this song represents my dream to return to Brazil again in the future. I obviously only improvised a little on the intro and vamp sections because the melody and harmony are just perfect as is.

Em Paz – I used to perform this song live with the composer (Pedro Alterio) in São Paulo back in 2009 – just before he became rather famous in Brazil with his band of next generation composers and multi talented musicians called ‘5 a seco’. in 2013, this song also became the theme song of a popular Brazilian ‘novella’ (soap opera) called Flor do Caribe (Carribean Flower). Em Paz translates as “In Peace” in English and so I tried to channel all of these things into a very tranquil and straight-forward version of this song and added a little melodica for a breath of fresh air. Pedro’s voice and music means a lot to me – he is like a Brazilian John Mayer but with far more sophistication and creativity.

Eternamente – The composer for this song (Andre Mehmari) is definitely one of the most gifted and prolific musicians in Brazil. His virtuosic piano skills and his compositions are the epitome of modern Brazilian jazz greatness. Although this song has a slight new age vibe:  the harmonic and melodic content are much more advanced. My honest approach when playing his music is to emphasize this beauty and yet still make it my own. I’ve had the privilege of meeting Andre and have seen him perform several times. Eternamente means eternally in Portuguese.

Memories of Tomorrow – The original Kôln Concert album by Keith Jarrett that debuted this song was a monumental recording that became the best selling solo jazz album in history. I’ve always loved Jarrett’s originals because of his folk Americana motifs that often have a latin tinge. This song is no exception and has been in my repertoire for years. I like to play it straight and in my own simple way.

Daydream – This Billy Strayhorn jazz standard was made famous by the great Duke Ellington. It’s not one of those overplayed tunes at jam sessions, and I like to play it with a more free-flowing 3/4 time feel. I transcribed a nice string arrangement of this tune in college and have loved the song ever since. I tried to give it a  dreamy feeling true to its the title.

Mairiporã – This is the name of the area where the Brazillan composer (Andre Mehmari) lives just outside of São Paulo. I was fortunate enough to be invited to his house  in 2009, and I remember him saying that we all need more honesty in our music. This simple but profound statement continues to inspire me to just try and be myself and embrace what my capabilities are and pursue them in my music. This song reminds me of the time at his home studio, and I have always loved playing this composition. Hopefully, the honesty shines through.

Traumerei – Although I studied classical piano as a child and even continued through college, I have never considered myself a classical pianist. However, my love of the Romantic era and my regular practice routines have always included a bit of classical music. Robert Schumann is one of my many favorites. I love the simple, yet complex inner voices moving in his compositions. Many times when I listen to classical music, I feel that all the notes are perfect but there lacks some emotion. My main objective with this piece was to give it some of that deep and dreamy emotion – regardless if all the notes are being played exactly correct or not.

 

Falling Grace – I’ve always loved playing this slightly obscure jazz standard by Steve Swallow. The most famous version of this song is by Chick Corea and Gary Burton from their album ‘Crystal Silence’. I love how it’s unconventional form and harmony still sounds pleasing and not too strange. To me this song wanders effortlessly and flows like a river.

Ida e Volta – Translates to ‘roundtrip’ in English – literally ‘go and comeback’. This song really captures the essence of this album with it’s sense of longing and reflective phrasing. It reminds me of the time I spent in São Paulo’s countryside with it’s red dirt roads and lush green tropical landscape. I tried to capture the natural silence that resembles the crickets and frogs and other sounds that you hear when you’re in that element. Definitely makes me want to make another trip there to experience this again. Personally knowing the composers (A. Mehmari, R. Alterio) makes the melodies so much sweeter too because I can hear their voices calling me back!

Peace – Peace is another obscure and rarely played jazz standard by Horace Silver who is more commonly known for his straight ahead blues piano playing and compositions. Seems like a very fitting ending to such a peaceful recording of me playing some of my personal favorite melodies on my piano.

Deep Blue – release date 12/2018

This is my first recording of all original material. I’ve contributed an original song or two on records before (From Brazil to New Orleans, 5 O’Clock Charlie, Quintology) but this recording is special to me. It’s a collection of songs that have been with me for a good while, so to see them finally come to life is really satisfying.

First of all, I recorded this album on my personal 1927 Steinway model L grand piano. I had this piano completely rebuilt a couple of years ago and I think it just sounds lovely. It has an old soul but sounds and plays like a new piano, and I’m really happy with the results. The Music Shed Studio in New Orleans did a great job capturing the essence and dark beauty of this instrument as well as the rest of the ensemble.

Secondly, my Dad passed away just after the final mixing and mastering of this recording. The last track “Father,” is a fitting tribute to him. It has a nice spiritual and soulful feel that I hope he would have liked.

In general, this recording has a very subtle and relaxed feeling to it that I think reflects the way I play and approach music these days. It may well be the influence of Ellis Marsalis, who I was blessed to study with, as his is a similar style – he never overplays and it always sounds so nice. A couple of my teachers and mentors from the University of Miami (Jeff Laibson, Ron Miller) were also big influences on my concepts and compositions that are evident here as well. I think the music of the ECM record label also plays a significant role in my overall approach to music, and I listened to a lot of Ralph Towner while preparing for this recording.

Some of my other influences that may or may not be recognizable but worth mentioning here are: Bill Evans, Clare Fischer, Egberto Gismonte, Vince Guaraldi, Joe Sample, John Abercrombie, Monica Salmaso, George Shearing, Alan Pasqua, etc, etc…

Most of the musicians on this recording are from New Orleans – many of whom are featured on my first recording “From Brazil to New Orleans” (2014). I also invited a few of my Cirque du Soliel buddies who added their special touch on the track Mojave (Josh Geisler – bansuri, Marc Solis – winds, Carlos Lopez – percussion).

My hope is that you will enjoy this album of songs. I feel like this is a very honest representation of me and my music and a good listen too!

Charlie Dennard – Paris, France December 2018

New Recording from Charlie Dennard “Sozinho”  –  Solo piano

Charlie returns from his recording hiatus to share this gorgeous collection of songs interpreted for solo piano. Once again his affection for Brazilian Jazz is on display, with a quarter of the tunes on this album born in Brazil. Charlie pays homage to some of his jazz heroes, including fellow Miami School of Music alum Pat Metheney, with a version of Pat’s seminal composition, “Letter from Home”. A tip of the cap to Joe Zawinul, one of Charlie’s influences, is heard on Midnight Mood.  

5 O’Clock Charlie – Organ Trio Project

New Orleans based keyboardist Charlie Dennard announces the release of his superb jazz organ trio, 5 O’Clock Charlie. On this recording, Dennard showcases seven original compositions and three cover tunes that capture the simple, organic quality of musicians playing together in the moment. In the late 1990’s, Charlie had a standing gig at New Orleans’ famous Funky Butt with his band, then called 5 O’Clock Charlie.

Dennard is a master of the Hammond B3, using every nuance of its texture, tone, depth and feel, walking the bass to support the trio’s rhythm and driving the melodies home with heart.

This project marks a return to his roots, just as Charlie has returned to New Orleans after touring the world for the past decade. The recording is groove-based, funky and fun.