Brian Charette, born Brian Joseph Charette on November 24, 1972, in Meriden, Connecticut, USA, is a versatile jazz musician, composer, and educator known for his skills on the piano, Hammond organ, pipe organ, guitar, drums, flute, and trumpet. Charette’s musical journey began in his childhood, learning piano from his mother, Catherine. He further honed his skills under the guidance of George McKinstry, and during his time at Orville H. Platt High School, he seriously studied various instruments. He later attended Berklee College of Music for a summer course and studied at The University of Connecticut, Storrs, graduating with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts in 1994.
Charette’s professional career kicked off in high school, performing at local clubs around Meriden and New Haven, Connecticut. By 17, he was working regularly as a pianist with local musicians, and he soon began performing with established jazz artists like Lou Donaldson, Houston Person, and Charles McPherson. After high school, he toured Europe with Czech trumpeter Laco Deczi, and in 1994, he moved to New York City.
His post-college career saw him working with the Vivino brothers, backing up notable artists like Cyndi Lauper and Michael McDonald. Charette also appeared on television shows such as the Martha Stewart Show and Conan O’Brien Show, and performed as a Hammond B3 organist in notable concerts. Throughout the 2000s, Charette continued to collaborate with various artists across genres and signed with SteepleChase Records in 2008, touring extensively in Europe and Asia.
Charette’s relationship with Posi-Tone Records began in 2011, first as a sideman and then as a leader in 2014. He became endorsed by Hammond USA in 2012, and continued to work with various groups, including The Allman Brothers Band drummer Jaimoe in Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band and NEA Jazz Masters George Coleman. He has been recognized for his unique blend of soul-jazz with modern elements, and has collaborated with artists like Oz Noy and Morgan James.
In 2017, Charette ventured into mixing Hammond organ with electronic music and released “Kürrent” on his label, Dim Mak. His album “Like the Sun” was released in December 2020, and he has continued to innovate in the realm of Hammond electronic. Apart from his performing career, Charette is an active educator, writer, and lecturer. He has authored articles for notable music magazines and has a book published by Hal Leonard Corporation titled “101 Hammond B3 Tips: Stuff all the Pros Know and Use”.
Charette has received numerous accolades, including the 2014 Downbeat Magazine “Rising Star: Organ” award, and has consistently ranked high in Downbeat Critic’s Polls, evidencing his recognition and influence in the jazz world. Personal challenges such as partial hearing loss in his youth and a bent pinky finger, which restricts his ability to use the finger in performance, have not hindered his musical journey. He is also a student of Chinese martial arts, having received a black sash in Fujian White Crane in 2008.
Brian Charette’s career exemplifies a profound dedication to the jazz genre, blending traditional elements with innovative approaches, and his contributions extend beyond performance to education and music journalism.
