Musician. Pianist. Organist. Composer. Band Leader. Teacher
Charlie Clarke is a New Jersey jazz musician who has graced many stages both in North America, Germany, Amsterdam, the Caribbean and regularly throughout the New York Metropolitan area.
He has played venues such as The Breeders Cub, The Governors Ball and The Rainbow Room just to name a few. You can hear his sublime expressive style each week at Raven and the Peach one of New Jersey's finest dinning spots “at this Fair Haven special-occasion spot sporting a Casablanca-esque ambiance.” according to Zagat. Charlie Clarke is a pianist with phenomenal technique on the level of one of his idols, Oscar Peterson. Speed, dexterity, and ability to swing at any tempo are some of the amazing characters of his playing. He is very effective in small groups, jam sessions, and in accompanying singers, Charlie is at his absolute best when performing unaccompanied solos.
Clarke started classical piano lessons when he was twelve and developed quickly. Clarke picked up early experience as a teenager playing with his first band at the prestigious Blue Dolphin Club.
Although most people think of Charlie as a masterful acoustic pianist, Clarke has also recorded on electric piano (particularly some of his own works), organ on some occasions with his brother jazz guitarist Doug Clarke.Clarke is a classic improviser, one of the fine jazz musicians that must be recognized.
I always enjoy Charlie Clarke's music because it is very vibrant and upbeat! His solo's are amazing and wide ranging. It is fun and enjoyable to dance to his music. Charlie Clarke and The Big Swing Machine are an excellent band! I would highly recommend him for any special event!