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CHRISTOPHER CHARLES
Christopher Charles Cumberbatch moved to Hamilton when he
was three years old and was struck by a musical muse by the age
of four. His self–taught guitar skills were enhanced during high
school music class, and his voice would gain wings by singing in
church. But for the last three years Christopher Charles has honed
his craft and developed a die hard fan base on the local stages.
A legion of fans flocked to a recent performance that was luckily recorded for posterity. A sold out concert at one of the city’s premiere venues allowed for this weekend’s release of the CD, Christopher Charles Live at The Westside Concert Theatre.
“I love playing live, and my management felt that what was
captured that night would make for a great live album,” explains
Charles. “Playing live is definitely paramount for me and my music. There is something about being right there, in front of everyone, with no filter, no second chance to start over, completely vulnerable, baring yourself in that moment. Just to have that opportunity to connect with so many people at once is quite an experience.”
With a subtle voice over delicate chord progressions, Charles
offers the likes of James Taylor, Brian McKnight, Phil Collins and
Lenny Kravitz as personal influences and it’s that winsome quality
that seems to have such general appeal. “What drew me to them is their ability to take a simple four chord song, and produce such emotion,” says Charles. “Above all they are all exceptional songwriters and there is something in all of their music that pulls me in. My intention is always to have the listener really identify with what I’m saying, in a way that they can put themselves in the song writers shoes as if I am speaking their hearts for them, and my words become their own.”
“I’m not looking to recapture what happened when we did theWestside show,” reasons Charles. “It’s raw because some of the songs that I sing are just me and an instrument. I feel that the audience really zeros in and listens intently because there is no distraction. All there is is what’s right in front of them – raw, and I feel this lends itself well to me and my music. But the night is really a multimedia release party as we are officially releasing the live album, my ‘Love Hurts’ music video that I did with rap artist Chuckie A and my website,” adds Charles. “I’m finally getting some of my music out to those who have wanted to have it for so long and now I have every intention of taking my music to the next level. The goal is to make a living at something that you love doing. Doing that would be my definition of success. Everything after that is icing on the cake.”
CHRISTOPHER CHARLES PLAYS THIS
THURSDAY MAY 29 AT CASBAH - The View Magazine
Discography
2008 "Live at the Westside Concert Theatre"
July 2008 Music Video Single "Love Hurts"
Produced and co written by Christopher Charles
in rotation at Much Music and Much Vibe
Photos
Bio
As the soulful sounds of Christopher Charles drift through the sold out concert theatre, the audience takes in a young artist delivering an unforgettable musical experience.
The heart felt melodies and soul searching lyrics are instantly recognizable as the classic struggle of man versus self. Melted into his song list are the reoccurring themes of love after loss and hope after despair, leaving an optimism that captivates an audience as diverse as the City of Hamilton he grew up in.
Essentially a self taught musician, Christopher Charles is a gifted soul with a fiery talent. Picture a young singer/songwriter/instrumentalist learned in the melodious teachings of James Taylor, Sam Cooke, Brian McKnight and Phil Collins while paying tribute to his roots of Guyana, inspired early in life by the likes of Bob Marley and Steel Pulse. "I would like my music to be considered classic, timeless, and easy listening with a touch of soul," Charles starts. Together with his soulful voice, structured melodies and adroit songwriting skills, Charles's music is as inspiring as it is introspective. "Every word that I write has to have meaning," Charles goes on to say. And it is his personal life experience and family roots which currently colours Charles' spiritual and optimistic outlook on life. "There were times of hopelessness but anytime I write a song I always try to leave that hope and optimism because it is there... its just that fight in you to keep going on.
This emerging artist has built a solid fan base and created industry buzz by performing at festivals, colleges, major fund raisers, and showcases both as a singer songwriter and with the accompaniment of a supporting band. He plays both the piano and guitar and writes, composes, and produces all his own material. Charles has meticulously crafted a unique style which translates the trinity of love, life and music the masses. Christopher recently demonstrated his natural gift to blur musical boundaries by producing and featuring on the song Love Hurts with Hip Hop artist Chuckie A, which has received heavy rotation on Much Vibe, over 100 000 combined YouTube views and college radio support.
Indeed, the cosmos of Christopher Charles is one where acoustic soul, R&B, roots and jazz collide to construct a powerful singular genre. The only thing superior to listening to Christopher Charles' music is listening to it live. "You've got to open up and let it out," Charles says of performing on stage. "I feel that songwriters have a duty, so you must give all of yourself. When the audience listens to me I want them to know that I'm being completely honest and open." Charles has crafted a sound which distills this distinct honesty with musicianship down to its richest essence. It's all there, the languages of life, love and music Just listen!
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