Charlton Singleton's New Jack Swing

Charlton Singleton

Trumpeter, composer, big band leader, Charlton Singleton finds music in the pillars of his life. He's recorded a spiritual his grandfather sang as the closing hymn of his Sundays service; his new quintet album has songs for his wife (4/4--when they met!), his daughter, his in-laws, and his mother and father; each composition sharing a part of their lives. Born in Charleston, SC, he grew up in a traditionally rural area, with strong roots in music and education. His own family's history is tied to the famed 1893 hurricane which his family escaped from one of the barrier islands. Trained at South Carolina State University's outstanding music program, his music reflects a long overlooked regional performance tradition traced to J.P.Johnson, Freddie Greene, Houston Person (an SC State grad!) and the famed Jenkins Orphanage Band. The emphasis is on highly sophisticated ensemble harmony that creates internal lyric lines, a light but driving swing that is steady and complex, and solo work that fits into the interplay into by simultaneously listening to its elements and answering its call. Singleton directs and conducts the Charleston Jazz Orchestra, a big band now playing its sixth subscription season (2015). He leads musical units for a number of talented singers, some successful on American Idol. He's on social media, at facebook and twitter (@csmusician). His own songs are performance art: intricate rhythms and modal lyricism with the whole band engaged. . User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.