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Charles Blenzig is a pianist, composer, arranger, and percussionist who slips effortlessly among musical styles while retaining his own distinct sound. Born in the Bronx, New York City, he has been a part of the New York City jazz scene for over 20 years.
The first real visible gig for Charles was as a member of the Gil Evans Orchestra, a steady Monday night engagement at New York's Sweet Basil Jazz Club. Since 1990 he has served as musical director for singer/songwriter Michael Franks. During the mid 1990s Charles performed regularly with several groups, including Bill Evans' "Push" and Kenwood Dennard's "Just Advance," and featured on the CD by the same name. Over the years Charles has worked with many accomplished musicians and groups including Larry Coryell, Michael Urbaniak, Michael Brecker, Gato Barbieri, Joe Beck, The Mingus Big Band, Joe Locke, Eddie Gomez, Randy Brecker, Toninio Horta, Grady Tate, Buster Williams, Roy Ayers and John Patituchi. The pianist also hosted "The Late Night Session" at the Blue Note Jazz Club in Manhattan, a five year stint where he musically-mingled with many seasoned and up-'n'-coming musicians from around the globe.
On "Say What you Mean," Charles clearly says what he means. Ranging from jazz to jazz fusion, from funk to rock to soothing ballads, this CD is an exciting experience from beginning to end. A playground for this line-up of some of the most formidable players on the scene, stretchin' out and showin' their stuff.
Musicians
Charles Blenzig keyboards
Will Lee bass
Mike Stern guitar
Michael Brecker saxophone
Alex Foster saxophone
Dennis Chambers drums
Manolo Badrena percussion
Tracks (audio)
01. Seyaho 5:32 
02. Bop Bop 4:42
03. On 2nd Thought 6:25
04. Caravan 6:08
05. Where Or When 6:08
06. In A Minute 6:06
07. Say What You Mean 5:21
08. Denial 3:58
09. Close Your Eyes 4:14
10. As Fast As Possible 4:39
Review
On Say What You Mean, this Bronx-born keyboardist matches a variety of original and cover tunes with his quick-witted playing style. With an upbeat, energetic personality that is fast becoming his trademark, Blenzig lets diversity be his guide to a changing multi-faceted career.
- Ken Micallef/JazzTimes
Artist Website
www.charlesblenzig.com
