The Selma March 5 Min (Grant Green)

THe Griots Speak - MIX A

As The Sun Rises

Destiny Calling

Sparks

It's Alright To Run

Excerpts from "Payin' The Cost To Be The Boss: a tribute to BB King"

You Upset Me, Baby sample

Charlie Apicella & Iron City's fifth record is a testament to the band's 10th anniversary as they approach their 2,000th gig milestone. 

In the spirit of legendary organist Jack McDuff, this hard bop burner transports you to the soulful, toe tapping, smoke-filled rooms of life on the Chitlin Circuit!

Charlie Apicella - guitar
Radam Schwartz - organ
Gene Ghee - tenor saxophone
Alan Korzin - drums

Sonny Fortune - alto saxophone on Lookin' East

All music arranged by Charlie Apicella except Spain, arranged by Radam Schwartz

Produced by Charlie Apicella, Alan Korzin, and Radam Schwartz

Recorded Sept. 19, 2017 at Trading 8s Studios, Paramus, NJ.  Engineered by Chris Sulit.

Charlie Apicella is an Eastman Guitars Featured Artist, a Guild Guitars sponsored artist, and a ZT Amplifiers Official Artist

Spain Blues Sample

Song Of The Soul Sample

Lookin' East Sample

Minor Mishap Sample

Is This Love Sample

Dink's Blues Sample

Woman You Must Be Crazy Sample

Struttin' With Some BBQ Sample

Sleeping Susan Sample

Charlie Apicella was voted onto the 84th and 86th DownBeat Readers Poll for Guitar.

He studied composition and improvisation with musical titans Yusef Lateef and Pat Martino and was trained as a historian by Archie Shepp and Dr. Billy Taylor. As a young guitarist he met his idol BB King, who offered him advice and shared some stories.

He has performed concerts and recorded with jazz legends Dave Holland, Sonny Fortune, John Blake, Jr., and Avery Sharpe as well as contemporary masters Joe Magnarelli, Vic Juris, Dave Stryker, Don Braden, and Jon Herington of Steely Dan.

In 2022 he formed The Griots Speak with bassist William Parker, saxophonist Daniel Carter, and percussionist Juma Sultan who is known for his work with Jimi Hendrix.
** *
Charlie Apicella is Director of Music Curriculum for The Blues and Beyond He is an Eastman Guitars Featured Artist
a Guild Guitars Sponsored Artist and a
ZT Amplifiers Official Artist.
** *

“A deeply melodic guitarist along the lines of Grant Green. Apicella faithfully has sought to channel an era of American music when hard-bop and r&b reigned...But the guitarist still manages to keep things fresh.” MATTHEW KASSEL, DownBeat

"As a player, Apicella immediately brings to mind Grant Green. He’s funky, he’s bluesy, and he’s not afraid to get dirty at times." JOHN HEIDT, Vintage Guitar Magazine

"Apicella's playing shines...[he] is aware of the straight-ahead tradition, showcasing his Wes Montgomery influence...Apicella's guitar sound is bright and clean, and easily cuts through the huge sound of the organ." TIM FISCHER, Just Jazz Guitar Magazine

"I think you will find that "SPARKS" will light the artistic fires of the soul and intellect." Heartfully, Yusef Lateef

The Griots Speak: Charlie Apicella & Iron City

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