As a soloist, Etienne Charles embodies the New Orleans trumpet tradition – readily discernible in his trademark instrumental swagger – and what Jelly Roll Morton so succinctly dubbed “the Spanish tinge.”  As a sideman, Charles has performed and/or recorded with Monty Alexander, Roberta Flack, Frank Foster, Wynton Marsalis, and Maria Schneider, to name a few. As previous Jazz Standard appearances have demonstrated, the Etienne Charles Big Band is one not to be missed! “A daring improviser who delivers with heart–wrenching lyricism.” (Jazz Times). “Charles delivers his ebullient improvisations with the elegance of a world–class ballet dancer.” (DownBeat).   Etienne Charles, Jumaane Smith, Walter Cano, Anthony Stanco – trumpets Michael Thomas, Brian Hogans, John Ellis, Seth Ebersole, Paul Nedzela – reeds  Dion Tucker, Corey Wilcox, Michael Dease, Chris Glassman – trombones Sullivan Fortner – piano Alex Wintz – guitar Ben Williams – bass Obed Calvaire – drums With Special Guest René Marie – voice