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If you’re a fan of nitty-gritty Southern Rock vibes (à la Black Keys), then here’s another American duo to feast your ears on. They’re based out of New Jersey and New York City, and they just released their debut EP Church of Charles a few months back. If you happen to live near NYC then be sure to check out their performance at The Bitter End on August 9th - Rex Manning Day Music Blog
An Interview with The Charles Warren Orchestra
Words by Nick Hodgins — Lanchester, PA
It isn’t too often I see a two man rock show. In fact, this past weekend at Arlene’s Grocery on the Lower East Side of New York City was the first time I’ve ever had the opportunity to watch a band play who consisted of nothing other than a guitarist and drummer. I have to say, The Charles Warren Orchestra rocks just as hard as any three, four or five piece bands I’ve ever seen.
The duet consists of lead singer and guitarist Charles Warren and his infamous Orchestra, Matt Onorato on drums. Originating out of Ridgewood, NJ, and in the wake of bedrock two-pieces such as the Black Keys and the White Stripes, the two bring a great blend of blues and rock n’ roll to the stage with a synchronization that can only truly be acquired through years of playing together. Of course the Orchestra wasn’t always a two-man band.
“Originally the band consisted of me, Matt on drums, a bassist, another guitar player and a vocalist,” explained Charles Warren as he stroked his red-bearded face hidden behind a pair of dark shades. After multiple attempts to fill the group beyond two members, at one point even taking on a drummer and sending Onorato to rhythm guitar, the duo decided to keep it at two.
For as long as he has owned a guitar, and even before that, Warren and the Orchestra have been making music together. “I started out on one of his guitars,” said Warren. “We would just jam. I had no idea what I was doing, I would just play random notes that he would to tell me to play. After that I asked for a guitar for Christmas and we just took it from there.”
The bands influences stem from other drum and guitar teams such as The Black Keys and The White Stripes. “I look to them a lot because they kind of mastered the whole one guitar and drums thing,” Warren said. He credits them for his style of playing chords and ripping solos between them. He also lists Hendrix and the Chili Peppers as big influences.
“I try to constantly have notes ringing and not leave space between, even if I just hit an open note to keep that bass going,” explained Warren whose feet stay just as busy amongst his seven pedals as his fingers do across 22 frets.
For two members these guys sure do pack a punch. The live chemistry between them is amazing and it’s obvious they aren’t strangers to playing with one another. Their set kicked off at 100 mph and it was nonstop grooving right up to the last chord. Onorato beat on his kit with ferocity in his eyes and a grin on his face for the entire set. Warren demonstrated some serious skills on his axe managing to hold down a rhythm while still slipping in bluesy riffs and solos whenever he could.
The Charles Warren Orchestra will be performing this Sunday, June 30 at the Kasschau Memorial Shell in Veteran’s Field Ridgewood. The show is a benefit concert for the Nick Currey Fund for Ewings Sarcoma research and will feature performances from North Jersey locals Real Estate and the Glenn Mercer Band.
To check out other upcoming shows for the Charles Warren Orchestra and to give them a listen check out their Facebook page here:
https://soundcloud.com/charleswarrenorchestra - The Waster
An Interview with The Charles Warren Orchestra
Words by Nick Hodgins — Lanchester, PA
It isn’t too often I see a two man rock show. In fact, this past weekend at Arlene’s Grocery on the Lower East Side of New York City was the first time I’ve ever had the opportunity to watch a band play who consisted of nothing other than a guitarist and drummer. I have to say, The Charles Warren Orchestra rocks just as hard as any three, four or five piece bands I’ve ever seen.
The duet consists of lead singer and guitarist Charles Warren and his infamous Orchestra, Matt Onorato on drums. Originating out of Ridgewood, NJ, and in the wake of bedrock two-pieces such as the Black Keys and the White Stripes, the two bring a great blend of blues and rock n’ roll to the stage with a synchronization that can only truly be acquired through years of playing together. Of course the Orchestra wasn’t always a two-man band.
“Originally the band consisted of me, Matt on drums, a bassist, another guitar player and a vocalist,” explained Charles Warren as he stroked his red-bearded face hidden behind a pair of dark shades. After multiple attempts to fill the group beyond two members, at one point even taking on a drummer and sending Onorato to rhythm guitar, the duo decided to keep it at two.
For as long as he has owned a guitar, and even before that, Warren and the Orchestra have been making music together. “I started out on one of his guitars,” said Warren. “We would just jam. I had no idea what I was doing, I would just play random notes that he would to tell me to play. After that I asked for a guitar for Christmas and we just took it from there.”
The bands influences stem from other drum and guitar teams such as The Black Keys and The White Stripes. “I look to them a lot because they kind of mastered the whole one guitar and drums thing,” Warren said. He credits them for his style of playing chords and ripping solos between them. He also lists Hendrix and the Chili Peppers as big influences.
“I try to constantly have notes ringing and not leave space between, even if I just hit an open note to keep that bass going,” explained Warren whose feet stay just as busy amongst his seven pedals as his fingers do across 22 frets.
For two members these guys sure do pack a punch. The live chemistry between them is amazing and it’s obvious they aren’t strangers to playing with one another. Their set kicked off at 100 mph and it was nonstop grooving right up to the last chord. Onorato beat on his kit with ferocity in his eyes and a grin on his face for the entire set. Warren demonstrated some serious skills on his axe managing to hold down a rhythm while still slipping in bluesy riffs and solos whenever he could.
The Charles Warren Orchestra will be performing this Sunday, June 30 at the Kasschau Memorial Shell in Veteran’s Field Ridgewood. The show is a benefit concert for the Nick Currey Fund for Ewings Sarcoma research and will feature performances from North Jersey locals Real Estate and the Glenn Mercer Band.
To check out other upcoming shows for the Charles Warren Orchestra and to give them a listen check out their Facebook page here:
https://soundcloud.com/charleswarrenorchestra - The Waster
(Concert Announcement)
The Glorious Veins / The Charles Warren Orchestra / Spinn / STATION
Sat, March 02, 2013 7:00 PM
21 & over
-----------------
The Charles Warren Orchestra may be relatively new to the NYC music
scene, but their playing days date back to their pre-teen years.
Playing together since they were in 6th grade, CWO has developed a
unique rhythmic chemistry that allows Charles Warren and his one-man
orchestra to produce a powerful sound with limited manpower.
Drawing a great deal of inspiration from Jimi Hendrix, The Black Keys,
and Jack White, the Charles Warren Orchestra brings back the classic
sounds of the blues with a modern twist, creating a distinct, yet
familiar genre. Their songs cover a wide range of moods and tones,
from the venomous, raw sound of "Damage is Done," to the passionate
power of "Not Gonna Let You Down."
As for their live performances, these two pull out all the stops. The
Orchestra often rises to his feet playing the drums, while Charles is
down on his knees cranking out a vicious riff. Even if rock n' roll
isn't your cup of tea, these guys are worth seeing on stage.
- The Lo-Down
(Concert Announcement)
The Glorious Veins / The Charles Warren Orchestra / Spinn / STATION
Sat, March 02, 2013 7:00 PM
21 & over
-----------------
The Charles Warren Orchestra may be relatively new to the NYC music
scene, but their playing days date back to their pre-teen years.
Playing together since they were in 6th grade, CWO has developed a
unique rhythmic chemistry that allows Charles Warren and his one-man
orchestra to produce a powerful sound with limited manpower.
Drawing a great deal of inspiration from Jimi Hendrix, The Black Keys,
and Jack White, the Charles Warren Orchestra brings back the classic
sounds of the blues with a modern twist, creating a distinct, yet
familiar genre. Their songs cover a wide range of moods and tones,
from the venomous, raw sound of "Damage is Done," to the passionate
power of "Not Gonna Let You Down."
As for their live performances, these two pull out all the stops. The
Orchestra often rises to his feet playing the drums, while Charles is
down on his knees cranking out a vicious riff. Even if rock n' roll
isn't your cup of tea, these guys are worth seeing on stage.
- The Lo-Down
Discography
Church of Charles Demo (on our soundcloud page)
Photos
Bio
The Charles Warren Orchestra may be relatively new to the NYC music
scene, but their playing days date back to their pre-teen years.
Playing together since they were in 6th grade, CWO has developed a
unique rhythmic chemistry that allows Charles Warren and his one-man
orchestra to produce a powerful sound with limited manpower.
Drawing a great deal of inspiration from Jimi Hendrix, The Black Keys,
and Jack White, The Charles Warren Orchestra brings back the classic
sounds of the blues with a modern twist, creating a distinct, yet
familiar genre. Their songs cover a wide range of moods and tones,
from the venomous, raw sound of "Damage is Done," to the passionate
power of "Hard to Believe."
As for their live performances, these two pull out all the stops. The
Orchestra often rises to his feet playing the drums, while Charles is
down on his knees cranking out a vicious riff. Even if rock n' roll
isn't your cup of tea, these guys are worth seeing on stage.
At this early stage of their journey as a band, The Charles Warren Orchestra
has already brought over 100 people to Arlene's Grocery and opened for internationally touring bands such as Real Estate.
"Their set kicked off at 100 mph and it was nonstop grooving right up to the last chord." - The Waster
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