
Charley has played and/or recorded with contemporary Christian artists Annie Herring
Although his current musical focus is on recording and composition projects, Charley makes time to perform with the award-winning Sacramento band, Steelin' Dan.
Charley was recently interviewed by Jeffrey Callison, host of KXJZ's (NPR) Insight radio program. During the interview, Charley discussed his music, the making of his new album, and did a live wind synthesizer demonstration, which you can listen to here.
How do you describe your music to people, Charley?
Intelligent smooth jazz: Phil Woods
Tell me about how you originally got into your craft.
At my pleading, my dad bought me an alto saxophone when I was in the fifth grade. I still remember the feel and smell of it. I slept with it under my bed so I could reach down and touch the case.
What is your favorite thing to do in the whole wide world?
I love my wife and kids -- whatever they're doing, that's what I want to be doing. But if what they're doing can incorporate fishing a remote trout stream, that's certainly a bonus!
What is your biggest challenge when it comes to running your business?
Getting sucked into focusing on details.
When you were a kid, what did you think you were going to be when you grew up?
An aeronautical engineer or a saxophonist. There is still a "nerdy" side to my artistic nature. Why else would I put a twelve-tone funk piece on my album?
In what way has your community impacted your development as a musician?
I was fortunate to grow up in a neighborhood that valued the arts. Last I heard, my high-school had five jazz bands -- and the school isn't that big. I had the opportunity to study music with excellent teachers at an early age.
What other artists out there do you love?
I grew up listening to Paul Desmond
What does your future hold?
A band to promote my original compositions? Could happen...