Charlie Christian Project

Founded in 2012, The Charlie Christian Project celebrates the music of the Oklahoma-born guitarist, Charlie Christian. Charlie was first to put the sound of the electric guitar front and center while playing with the Benny Goodman Sextet and as the house guitarist at Minton’s Playhouse in New York. He was among the most prominent figures in the development of swing, bebop and cool jazz.  Although only 25 years old when he died in 1942, Charlie Christian has left an enduring legacy. The current version of The Charlie Christian Project features Michael Anthony, guitar; Jerry Weimer, clarinet; John Rangel, piano, Micky Patten, bass; and Joe Chellman, drums.