Charlie Wood | |
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| Background information | |
| Instrument | Keyboard |
| Labels | Archer Records |
Charlie Wood is an American singer, songwriter and keyboardist whose style draws from a wide range of genres includingsoul,blues, traditional R&B, jazz andpopular music.[1][2][3]
Wood’s musical development was first influenced by his hometown ofMemphis,Tennessee and then later by New Orleans where, from the age of seventeen, he lived for several years.[4]
In his early twenties, Wood toured the US and Europe as keyboard player for blues guitaristAlbert King before returning to Memphis and establishing a residency on the city’s historicBeale Street. This residency lasted for many years, during which time Wood performed with a wide range of musicians includingB.B. King,Georgie Fame,Joey DeFrancesco,George Coleman,Mulgrew Miller andAlvin Batiste.[1][5][3] Honours received during these years included being awarded the Freedom of the City and a dedicated “Charlie Wood Day” by Memphis City Council, the N.A.R.A.S. “Premier Player Award” for Keyboards and the Beale St. Merchants’ Association Entertainer of the Year” award.[3][6][7][8]
Wood is a prolific recording artist whose first two albumsSouthbound andWho I Am were released onBen Sidran's Go Jazz label. These were soon followed byLucky on Inside Sounds, andHolly-Wood,Somethin' Else andCharlie Wood and the New Memphis Underground on Daddy-O Records. In 2009, Wood signed a multi-album deal withArcher Records ("Flutter and Wow" and "Lush Life") and, since moving to the United Kingdom, he has recorded and releasedNew Souvenirs andTomorrow Night on Perdido Records.[3][9][10][11][12]
The majority of Wood's recordings are original compositions which incorporate a wide range of musical styles but primarily soul, blues, jazz and R&B. His lyrics are often characterised by their frankness, wit, wordplay and autobiographical nature.Irma Thomas's recording of one of Wood’s songs, "Never Gonna Stop New Orleans", featured inHarry Shearer’s documentary film.The Big Uneasy.[4][5] In 2015, Wood's composition “Promised Land” won first prize in the Jazz Category of the USA Songwriting Competition.[13]
In October 2014, Wood became the 136th recipient of a Brass Note on Memphis’s Beale Street.[14][15]
Wood is now based in Britain and is married to the British jazz singerJacqui Dankworth.[5]
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