Rare and pure of heart best describes the music of this Texas-based contemporary jazz guitarist, but Wood is not by any means a newcomer to the music scene. Born in San Antonio but raised in the small town in Bulverde, Texas, he has played with many of country’s finest musicians as Johnny Gimble, and also played for the house and road band with Mickey Gilley for three and half years.
Charlie first started playing banjo, taught to him by his father, at the age of seven. However, at the age of nine Charlie developed an interest for guitar, and when he was eleven he began to take lessons from a jazz guitarist in San Antonio named Dow Daggett. At fourteen he began to professionally play various types of music from Rock ‘N Roll, R&B, Blues to Country. Getting his feet wet in all genres of music, Charlie found his true love is Jazz. When Contemporary Jazz hit the music scene Charlie knew he had found his niche. His love of Wes Montgomery, Chet Atkins and other guitar greats deeply influenced him and he developed his own style and techniques that make his guitar playing something you remember.
Charlie released his first contemporary jazz CD, “In the Thick of the Woods,” (which was considered for a Grammy nomination in 1996). On his second release, “Rhythms of the Eclipse”, he has guest artist, Kim Stone, bassist for the Rippingtons, and received great reviews: “Charlie’s music is sound that fuses smooth jazz, straight-up jazz, Latin, funk and ballads. He plays his music with soul, class and imagination” (Jim Beal, Night Lights, Express-News) which reveals his inner creativity. His persistence and determination have resulted in him opening for such acts as George Howard, Gerald Albright, Walter Beasley, Everett Harp, Brian Culbertson and Chuck Loeb. Most recently he has opened for Boney James, SpyroGyra, Stanley Jordan and Kenny Garrett.
His latest CD project,“WaterColours” breathes with life of Charlie’s heart and soul. Inspired by recent events in his life it reflects his thought for mankind of Living in Unity as one man, one heart and one soul. Kim Stone stated himself that this CD is, in his opinion, the best one so far and it was considered for a Grammy nomination in 7 categories, including Best Contemporary Jazz Album. Anthony Brown, PhD., Director of Asian American Orchestra states, “This new CD exhibits an exciting creativity and allows Charlie to venture into new territory. With the release of WaterColours, San Antonio-based guitarist Charlie Wood documents his current direction in shaping the repertoire of jazz guitar. A truly gifted composer/musician, Wood's music employs a wide range of guitaristic colors, textures and effects that are refreshingly orchestral, with a momentum and sweep that incorporates a variety of influences, both obvious and nuanced. As with his previous release, Rhythms of the Eclipse(2003, Third Stream Productions), Kim Stone, bassist with SpyroGyra and The Rippingtons, and multi-instrumentalist Oscar Cruz play key roles in realizing Charlie Wood's musical vision.”
Currently, Charlie’s newest adventures are playing with musicians from all over the world. He can now say he is truly an International Artist. Recently, he played in Israel with various musicians from other countries in a joint venture to help man realize we are all interconnected and living in an integral world. This project is keeping Charlie busy these days as he writes and records new music for this exciting avenue of connection. This year of 2011 will find Charlie in New York, New Jersey, and Israel. Charlie can be found in a majority of social networking scenes on the Internet, i.e., Face Book, YouTube and his own website (www.charliewoodjazz.com). This summer in July 2011, Charlie was given the great opportunity to be the music director for the play production of “Ring of Fire” a musical homage to Johnny Cash. The play was a huge success with sold out seats for every performance. Charlie is looking forward to his next project—Israel.
Charlie says he is able to share his love of music and give to the community through his music store in Bulverde, Third Stream Music, by teaching those who want music in their lives. Music is the universal language and anyone, no matter what country they are from, “understand” instrumental music. It’s a sensation, a feeling from within. Charlie knows we are all interconnected as one heart, one soul and one man.
Charlie’s accomplishments have earned him endorsements by Epiphone Guitars, D’Addario Strings and Dunlop Picks. He also is a member of BMI and NARAS. It is evident Charlie’s music comes from his heart and for certain, whether you hear Charlie live or on CD, he will captivate yours.
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