Soul Creole

Biography

Soul Creole is not a standalone artist but rather the name of a project led by Trinidad-born trumpeter, composer, and bandleader Etienne Charles. Born in July 1983 in Port of Spain, Trinidad, Charles was raised in a musically rich environment—his great-grandfather played banjo and violin, and his family’s French Caribbean, Spanish, African, and Venezuelan heritage deeply influenced his musical outlook. After early musical training in Trinidad, Charles moved to the United States, attending Florida State University and later Juilliard in New York, where he honed his craft under the mentorship of jazz pianist Marcus Roberts.

Charles launched his professional career with the album 'Culture Shock,' but it was his project 'Creole Soul' that brought him international acclaim. The Creole Soul ensemble explores the intersections of Afro-Caribbean, Creole, New Orleans, and American jazz traditions, blending calypso, reggae, Haitian vodou, Motown, and R&B influences. Charles’s work is characterized by lush trumpet lines, complex rhythms, and a commitment to storytelling that highlights marginalized communities and the African diaspora’s cultural migrations. His music is both a celebration of his heritage and a vehicle for social commentary, earning him numerous awards and recognition, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and the French Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

Fun Facts

• Etienne Charles recorded his debut album 'Culture Shock' while still a senior at Florida State University, on the suggestion of his mentor Marcus Roberts.
• The opening track of 'Creole Soul' features a chant in Haitian Creole by voodoo priest Erol Josué, reflecting Charles's deep engagement with Caribbean folk traditions.
• Charles has performed with legendary artists including Roberta Flack, Wynton Marsalis, Maria Schneider, and the Count Basie Orchestra.
• He was awarded the French title Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2024 for his contributions to music and culture.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Marcus Roberts - Teacher and mentor during Charles's studies at Florida State University, guiding his early compositional development and encouraging his first album. (Culture Shock) [2005-2006]

Key Collaborators

• Jacques Schwarz-Bart - Tenor saxophonist in the Creole Soul band, contributing to the project's signature sound. (Creole Soul) [2013]
• Brian Hogans - Alto saxophonist in the Creole Soul band. (Creole Soul) [2013]
• Kris Bowers - Pianist and Fender Rhodes player in the Creole Soul band. (Creole Soul) [2013]
• Ben Williams - Bassist in the Creole Soul band. (Creole Soul) [2013]
• Obed Calvaire - Drummer in the Creole Soul band. (Creole Soul) [2013]
• Erol Josué - Guest vocalist on the Creole Soul album, contributing Haitian Creole chants. (Creole Soul) [2013]
• Alex Wintz - Guitarist and guest performer with Creole Soul. (Creole Soul) [2013]
• Daniel Sadownick - Percussionist and vocalist, guest with Creole Soul. (Creole Soul) [2013]
• D'Achee - Percussionist and vocalist, guest with Creole Soul. (Creole Soul) [2013]

Artists Influenced

• Students at Michigan State University - As a jazz trumpet professor, Charles has mentored and influenced a new generation of jazz musicians. (Student performances, recitals) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Heartless - 1950's Soul Version (Heartless (1950's Soul Version))
2. Many Men - 1950's Soul Version (Many Men (1950's Soul Version))
3. Gangsta's Paradise - 1950's Soul Version (Gangsta's Paradise (1950's Soul Version))
4. Changes - 1950's Soul Version (Changes (1950's Soul Version))
5. Forgot About Dre - 1950's Soul Version (Forgot About Dre (1950's Soul Version))
6. Hit 'Em Up - 1950's Soul Version (Hit 'Em Up (1950's Soul Version))
7. Renegade - 1950's Soul Version (Renegade (1950's Soul Version))
8. I Got 5 On It - 1950's Soul Version (I Got 5 On It (1950's Soul Version))
9. Slippin' - 1950's Soul Version (Slippin' (1950's Soul Version))
10. Let It All Work Out - Blues Cover Best version: Most Perfect version (Let It All Work Out - Blues Cover Best version: Most Perfect version)

External Links

• Spotify