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Steven Charles Atlanta Jazz
- Atlanta, GA
- Jazz Band
- Travels up to 150 miles
- $250 and up...
Overview
On various saxes, flutes, wind synth, & vocals, Steven blends Jazz, Soul, Rock, Latin, Blues, & New Age, with smooth & soulful improvisational expression.
Employing the top musicians of Atlanta, every event, no matter how big or small, is a "mission to please". The sophistication, professionalism, and heartfelt presentation of the music, has endeared them to audiences of all ages & backgrounds. Whether an intimate supper club, or stadium of thousands, The Steven Charles Band delivers the goods.
For occasions when a band is too much, & canned music not classy enough, The Steven Charles Jazz Duo, Jazz Trio, or One-Man-Band, is the perfect complement to any business or social gathering.
23 Reviews
As Senior Catering Sales & VIP Manager (Hyatt Regency Atlanta), I hired Steven many times for my clients. He always proved a great success with my wide variety of clients and their guests.
I am proud to recommend him, his music is varied and he will design his selection to please your needs. He is punctual, and always arrives very well attired. He works extremely well to blend in with the hotel staff and the events go seamlessly for everyone.”
Top qualities: Personable, On Time, High Integrity
Jazz Band, Easy Listening Band, Multi-Instrumentalist, One Man Band
Wow ~ where do I begin to recommend Steven.?! I have known Steven for so many years and he was always my entertainment source of choice during my 15 years owning Executive Catering & Events. He is the utmost professional filled with amazing talent who knows how to ensure the entertainment complements the event. I give my highest recommendation for Steven for corporate, social and bar/restaurant entertainment."
Top qualities: Great Results , Good Value , High Integrity
Hired Steven as Entertainment in 1993 , and hired Steven more than once
Jazz Band, Easy Listening Band, Flute Player, Jazz Singer, Multi-Instrumentalist, New Age Music, One Man Band, R&B Vocalist, Saxophone Player, World Music
We hired Steven and his band to accompany our wedding singer for our reception. They did a Fantastic job. Besides being incredibly talented, they were super easy to work with, coordinated easily with our singer, and were even able to accompany my husband for a surprise song that he sang. All of our guests were so impressed-- Steven Charles Atlanta Jazz really made the evening so magical. They kept the music very classical for our purposes, but I suspect that their jazz talents extend far beyond what we asked of them. I'm sure they'd be a fantastic show on their own.
Thank you so much, Steven, for helping us make such a spectacular memory!
Natalie and Brett
Acoustic Band, Wedding Band, Jazz Band
Response from Steven Charles Atlanta Jazz:
Thank you so much for your kind words. We loved performing with Lauren, and your guests were all so warm & friendly, it was a pleasure for us to play for everyone!
Words can not describe how wonderful our event was and how the Steven Charles Jazz duo made it over the top. Steven and his guitarist were so professional and responsive prior to the event. During the event, I thought we were attending a fancy jazz concert! My husband loves jazz and this was the ultimate birthday present. It was a night he will never forget. You only turn 50 once and he will always remember the food, friends, and ESPECIALLY the music of his special day.
Jazz Band
Response from Steven Charles Atlanta Jazz:
Thank you so much Shona! We really enjoyed being a part of your celebration, and are very happy you all enjoyed the music so much. I'll pass along your kind words to Spencer, as well. Thanks again!
We loved having Steven play at our Fall party. His music set the tone and everyone said it was the best party ever. I know his contribution helped make it so. I will definitely have him back for the next one. Thank you Steven!
One Man Band
Response from Steven Charles Atlanta Jazz:
Thanks very much Cari, it was a great party, and I hope to play more for you, in the future!
We initially hired Steven Charles band for our Service Awards banquet. Our leadership thought that it was such a wonderful addition that we asked them back for our retirement banquet as well. The music was phenomenal but most importantly Steven and his band are adamant professionals. They are our go to band!
Jazz Band
Response from Steven Charles Atlanta Jazz:
Thanks for your kind words, Starr. We totally appreciate you and the entire staff, very professional, and really great people!
Steven Charles and an accompanist playing guitar provided an impressive and enjoyable evening performance to our group recently. The audience rated the performance beyond their highest expectations. Highly recommended.
Jazz Band
Steven Charles and his accompanying musicians were amazing!! They are a class act and they performed superbly for our daughters wedding (cocktail hour and dinner)...rave reviews and accolades were expressed by all!! Would highly recommend!!
Jazz Band
Response from Steven Charles Atlanta Jazz:
Thank you very much Renee, we all enjoyed playing, and were happy to contribute to your daughter's special day!
To make this short and sweet, Mr. Charles and crew are phenomenal! Do not miss an opportunity to be entertained by Atlanta's finest.
Jazz Band
I hired the Steven Charles Band (3-piece) for a charity fundraiser in Denver and couldn't be happier with their performance! They were professional and punctual, and knew exactly what kind of music to play in this type of environment - subtle and classy without being overpowering, so that guests could still mingle and carry on a conversation. It was obvious that they have experience playing in this type of setting and I would definitely hire them again in the future.
Jazz Band
“I hired Steven to perform as a guest soloist with the Tom Olsen Trio. I really love his playing style - so professional, and full of life. He is a virtuoso on sax and flute, yet comes across so humble and approachable.
He is instantly able to connect with an audience by putting them at ease, and wins them over with his great solos. If you have a chance to hear Steven play, by all means go, and be ready to enjoy yourself.”
Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, On Time
Flute Player, Multi-Instrumentalist, Saxophone Player
“Steven is a professional. I have enjoyed working with Steven Charles over the years for many of the events that I have created. I would highly recommend Steven for your events, holiday parties and corporate functions. His repertoire is massive and he is a definite crowd pleaser.”
Rene Miller
On Air Personality at WCLK 91.9
Principal at Rene Miller, LLC
On Air Mid-Day Lottery Host at Georgia Lottery Corporation
Top qualities: Personable , Good Value , On Time
Jazz Band, Blues Band, Easy Listening Band, Flute Player, Jazz Singer, Multi-Instrumentalist, Saxophone Player, Soul Band
“I have hired Steven on multiple occasions to provide musical entertainment to our guests at the Annual WCSF Joint Chefs Gathering. Steven and his band have a wonderfully smooth jazz sound and our attendees have all said how talented the group is. We enjoy having the Steven Charles Band out to our function and the price is right which is important to a non-profit organization with a shoestring budget.”
J. Stewart Singleton
Director at WCSF, Inc.
Top qualities: Great Results , Personable , Good Value
Jazz Band, Blues Band, Easy Listening Band, Flute Player, Multi-Instrumentalist, R&B Group, Saxophone Player, Soul Band
“Working with Steven Charles was a delightful experience. He and the band's level of commitment to making our events such a success was exceptional. We are sorry to lose you in Atlanta but best of luck in Denver!”"
Service Category: Musician
Year first hired: 2005 (hired more than once)
Top Qualities: Great Results, Good Value, High Integrity
Kelly Haywood
Senior Account Manager
PRA Destination Management Atlanta
Jazz Band, Blues Band, Easy Listening Band, Flute Player, Multi-Instrumentalist, Saxophone Player, Soul Band
Steven
I can't believe a month has passed by already. I haven't had a chance to personally thank you again for all you did for us. You are a joy to work with and extremely talented. The music was wonderful and we are still receiving compliments on both you and Jimmy.
I hope your holiday is fabulous and Happy New Year!
Take care,
Adele Braxton
VP - Global Sourcing Office
EQUIFAX
Jazz Band, Easy Listening Band, Flute Player, Multi-Instrumentalist, One Man Band, Saxophone Player
“Steven has been on the jazz scene for many years and been highly successful at consistently playing the newest hip rooms in town. From playing for thousands at Centennial Olympic Park to intimate cafes, Steven always projects warmth and commercial appeal. He is also multi-talented playing both sax and flute.”
Jeni Michelson
Owner at Sassy Senior Photography
Owner at The Charming Chocolate Company
“I have enjoyed Steven Charles's music at various high profile and select venues in Atlanta for at least 15 years. In 2005, I had the opportunity to engage his band to entertain friends and colleagues celebrating the anniversary of my law firm. Steven adapts his wide repertoire to the particular context of the event, and is very adept creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for his audience. He is extremely talented, very professional (prompt, organized, business-like about business, etc.), eclectic, soulful and an all-around good guy. I've recommended him many times.”
Cynthia Parks
Partner - Intellectual Property Attorney at Parks IP Law LLC
Top qualities: Personable , High Integrity , Creative
Hired Steven as a Musician / Bandleader in 2005
Jazz Band, Blues Band, Easy Listening Band, Flute Player, Jazz Singer, Multi-Instrumentalist, R&B Group, Saxophone Player, Soul Band, World Music
"I have worked with Steven over the past 10 years. He has always done a great job entertaining the crowds (75-500) . He does a great job of delievering on the promise. He is timely, is appropriate with the groups, as well as being a great musician. I would hire Steven as well as any of the musicians that he would recommend.
Regards,
Janice Reece
Marketing and Projects Director
Atlanta Community Food Bank"
Service Category: musician
Year first hired: 2000 (hired more than once)
Top Qualities: Personable, Good Value, High Integrity
Jazz Band, Blues Band, Flute Player, Multi-Instrumentalist, Saxophone Player, Soul Band, World Music
"Steven Charles was referred to me to perform at my wedding by a good friend, whom I trusted. My friend knows many musicians, but recommended Steven. Steven and his trio played beautifully together and were very easy to work with in preparation for our special day. We enjoyed the music very much and received many compliments from our guests. He was professional, timely and the music was wonderful. His price was reasonable and I was very satisfied. We have used him again since then, with great results. I highly recommend Steven!"
Sincerely,
Belinda Stubblefield
President at Stubblefield Ventures, LLC
Service Category: Musical Performance
Year first hired: 1999 (hired more than once)
Top Qualities: Great Results, Good Value, On Time
Jazz Band, Flute Player, Multi-Instrumentalist, Saxophone Player, Wedding Band
"Always a wonderful show by our dear friend Steven. Thank you for all of the performances over the years and for always over delivering."
By the way, great show last month at the WWD. Thank you as always for supporting the series.
Joe Skopitz
Assistant General Manager
Centennial Olympic Park
jskopitz@centennialpark.com
Jazz Band, Blues Band, Flute Player, Jazz Singer, Multi-Instrumentalist, R&B Group, Saxophone Player, Soul Band, World Music
Steven Charles is a class act! His passion for music and jazz shows in every performance. We hired Steven on a couple of occasions, and received very positive feedback from guests attending. And not only is Steven great during the actual performance, he gives the attention-to-detail you need when engaged in the pre-event planning process.
I am sorry to see Steven leave the Atlanta market ... but Atlanta's loss will definitely be Colorado's gain! If you're considering Steven's smooth and classical jazz sounds for your next event, you won't be disappointed!!
Service Category: Jazz Performance
Year first hired: 2008 (hired more than once)
Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, Creative
Jazz Band, Easy Listening Band, Flute Player, Multi-Instrumentalist, Saxophone Player
Steven and his musician partners would consistently play the best jazz music ever!! My clients always adored him and loved his music. I always wondered why he was not famous!!! He was great to listen to at small gathererings, and large events as well. I wish I had enough business to keep him in Atlanta. Good luck in Denver!!! You will do great!! Keep playing that soulful, sexy, soothing jazz.
Service Category: Off Premise Catering
Year first hired: 2003 (hired more than once)
Top Qualities: Expert, Good Value, High Integrity
Jazz Band, Easy Listening Band, Flute Player, Multi-Instrumentalist, Saxophone Player
I would like to thank you for your performance at the Atlanta Jazz Festival 2010. Your band had a great set and I feel my trip up from Gainesville FL was worth the trip just to hear your band's version of Cassie's Theme by Grover Washington. If you have a recording of that please tell me how to get my hands on it.
I am so glad I made it to the concert early. I feel that your band and Trombone Shorty were the highlights of the night and I am a Bass Player.
Can't say it enough, you guys are an incredibly gifted Jazz Band. Great work on the saxes and please let me know the name of the bass player again. He worked the pocket well and everyone of your band members played their role. Great groove and pocket your entire set.
If you guys ever play in Florida let me know, once again, an incredible set at the Jazz Festival!
Booking Info
Price Range: $250 and up...
Insurance: $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 - I have liability insurance that I secure for specific dates, as the call for it is very rare. However, if I find that more gigs call for having it, I'll then purchase an annual policy. But in any event, if liability insurance is a requirement, we'll have that covered.
What to Expect
Of course it varies, depending on both the number of players & type of event. Usually, when working as a duo, trio, or even solo, we present very high level, smoothly performed Jazz. With the professional quality of both our sound system, and the musicians, we are able to "fill the room with sound, yet not squelch conversation" (says John Berger, columnist @ Honolulu Star Bulletin)...
We sometimes are called on to play the cocktail hour, dinner, and then a set of dance music to end the evening, and we can also do that. Of course, when we play a showcase club, concert, or festival, the band may expand in size, as well as the volume & energy level.
A good example of this, is a week where one performance was on the main stage of the 2010 Atlanta Jazz Festival, where my six-piece band, plus vocalist, was followed by Trombone Shorty, recent Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding, & the headliner, Marcus Miller.
A few days later, my Jazz Trio played an exclusive reception for Microsoft's top executives, at the Four Seasons Hotel.
In whatever configuration, I'll be the constant, constantly switching between all my various instruments, even singing some, & always putting my all into the music. The music itself switches gears & genres frequently, we don't play the same Jazz tunes every other band does, but love to take songs from R&B, Classic Rock, Pop, Blues, Reggae, Brazilian, etc, & Jazz'em up! Always soulful, smooth, & tastefully performed...
About
Featuring Steven Charles on flute, tenor, alto & soprano saxophones, wind synthesizer, percussion & vocals, the band weaves musical elements from a diverse palette of genres & styles, with a Jazz flair & the creative freedom of personal, improvisational expression. It's soulful music at it's essence, real, right now, and sayin' something...
Steven has performed with an array of well-known artists, representing a broad musical spectrum. Such greats as George Benson, Marvin Gaye, Otis Rush, Junior Wells, Mick Fleetwood, Stephen Stills, Elvin Bishop, Jonn Serrie, & Dr. Lonnie Smith, groups as The Neville Brothers, Indigo Girls, as well as with members of Earth, Wind & Fire, The Crusaders, Hiroshima, Santana, Sly & the Family Stone, & The Doobie Brothers.
He has opened concerts for Chicago, Joe Sample, Bob James, Esperanza Spalding, Marcus Miller, Taj Mahal, Herbie Hancock, Alex Bugnon, Wayne Shorter, and many others, as well as performing at the last Crater Festival, inside Diamond Head, Hawaii.
In concert, The Steven Charles Band has been featured at The Atlanta Jazz Festival, “Kingfest” at The Martin Luther King Jr. Center, Taste of Atlanta, PGA Awards Ceremony, DeKalb County & Charlotte Jazz Festivals, The Trumpet Awards, Centennial Olympic Park, The SCLC 50th Anniversary Banquet (w/Barack Obama), & even a solo National Anthem performance at a Falcons-49ers Monday Night Football game inside the Georgia Dome.
WHEN A BAND IS TOO MUCH... YET CANNED MUSIC IS NOT CLASSY ENOUGH:
For those times a smooth & soulful, professionally performed mix of jazz, perfect for creating just the right ambiance at your reception, party, or event, is desired, call on Steven Charles. Playing tenor, soprano, & alto saxes, flute, wind synth, & some vocals, he, along with some of Atlanta's finest world class musicians, can provide what you need. Specializing in a warm, full-sound, yet with only a duo or trio (even solo, as a "one-man band"), you can pass on a dj, yet not have to deal with the logistics of a larger band. Of course, with our 20 years of concert & festival experience, a larger ensemble is readily available, as well.
Some of the countless corporations, charities, & professional organizations we've played for:
PGA National Championship Awards luncheon & ceremony
VIP Reception at Phillips Arena, for opening of Atlanta's WNBA team
SCLC 50th Anniversary Gala (w/Barack Obama)
The Trumpet Awards
Atlanta Community Food Bank Ground Breaking, 25th Anniversary, & annual Christmas Luncheons
MLK Papers Society Fundraising Reception (w/Andrew Young/Mayor Franklin)
Microsoft
Kilpatrick Stockton LLP
Pfizer
Worldspan
Gwinnett County Bar Association
Raytheon
MetLife
AT&T
Bell South
DeKalb Medical Society
Vinings Club
191 Club
Country Club of the South
Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Falcons
Sun Trust Bank
Lucent Technologies
Honolulu City & County
King & Spaulding
Dr. Pepper
Phillip Morris
GE
Atlanta City Government
Piedmont Park Conservancy
Atlanta History Center
Ron McNair Foundation
United Air Lines
Morehouse Alumni Association
WSB, WJZZ, WCLK, WRFG, WGCL, WAOK, NBC, CBC...
Associations of Pediatricians, Oncologists, Cardiologists, Urologists, Dermatologists,
Additional Booking Notes
We're very self-contained, providing our own sound equipment, including recorded music we play before & after, as well as during any breaks we may take, so as to keep the music going...
Past Booked Events
July 10, 2023 • 1:00pm - 2:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
Set List
We play a wide range of music, covering many genres of music, all with a "Jazz sensibility", in other words we imprint out own style & flavor onto the music. Whether a Blues, Rock, R&B, Latin, Mainstream or Contemporary Jazz, Reggae, or Pop tune, we do it our way, with improvisation & spontaneity as key elements. This keeps the music fresh, both for us, and to audiences, large or small. We've found that no matter who are audience may be, everyone will find at least some songs we play, personal favorites, as well as hearing tunes they've never heard anyone but the original artists perform before... Because of this, it's not unusual to hear folks say "You know, I don't usually like Jazz, but I really liked listening to you guys." after our performances. We don't just play for ourselves, we play our best, with the intention always to add to the enjoyment of our listeners...
Influences & Inspiration
There's not enough room to list them all, but I've been inspired & influenced by great musicians from all over the musical map. John Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders, Dexter Gordon, Stanley Turrentine, Grover Washington, John Klemmer, Gil Scott-Heron, Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Cream, Allman Brothers, Marvin Gaye, Isley Bros., Bob Marley, Traffic, Albert King, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, Led Zeppelin, Jeff Beck, Herbie Mann, Duane Allman, Jesse Colin Young, EW&F, It's A Beautiful Day, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Lonnie Liston Smith, BB King, Joni Mitchell, Tim Weisberg, CSN&Y, CTA, Jethro Tull, Moody Blues, Freddie Hubbard, Art Blakey, Joe Ferrell, Jeremy Steig, Johnny Almond, Bobby Keys...
Setup Requirements
We almost never require anything more than space to set up, an electrical outlet, & a place to park our cars...