In the next few weeks Ralph "Soul" Jackson will be promoting the release of his LP on Rabbit Factory. The tour will visit Memphis, TN Thursday 6/14, Muscle Shoals, AL 6/15, Birmingham, AL 6/16, Phenix City, AL 6/17 and Chicago, IL Saturday 6/23 at Martyrs'. The live band will include the authentic horn section... Continue Reading →
If you are in Chicago for the NATO summit or plainly would like to avoid it Charles Mantis will be playing Transistor Friday May 18th with Everypeople Workshop. Transistor is located at 3819 N Lincoln Ave in North Center. It's just a short walk or cab ride from the Irving Park brown line stop. ... Continue Reading →
I'll be playing at Rodan in Wicker Park Sunday April 8th with my new project featuring saxophonist Anthony Bruno.
http://youtu.be/DYvj_p_IfjU Be sure to check out Charles Mantis in Chicago Wednesday April 18th at Underground Wonder Bar.
For close to a year and a half DJ Roma Soul and Black Bear Combo have played to a packed house downstairs at Subterranean on the third Friday of the month in Chicago. This has grown to be one of the more successful nights I've seen featuring an instrumental act since I moved to Chicago... Continue Reading →
Analog instruments have added a whole new richness to the sound of my music. The Roland Juno provides that warm classic tone used in the music of groups such as Sigur Ros and Justice. A vintage synthesizer compares to computer generated sounds as Belgian dark chocolate would compare to a snickers bar. Synths have recently... Continue Reading →
Charles Mantis is evolving faster than I can keep up with. Please check out the new fan page and e.p. preview. Please hit like to help get the band approved to become and official fund raising group and write me an email with any ideas about what nonprofits should benefit from the proceeds. Tuesday October... Continue Reading →
The Chicago soul band has spent the last few years fine tuning the record Want More which will be released on Bloodshot Records October 25th 2011. It seems like it wasn't that long ago I met these guys while recording horns for their epic version of Wilco's I am Trying to Break Your Heart. Since... Continue Reading →
The Akai APC40 is a midi controller instrument that controls audio clips, effects and virtual instruments in a live setting. The grid design of the instrument provides an angle to writing music that is very different from composing and performing on a traditional piano. The buttons illuminate when they are actively playing an audio clip... Continue Reading →
Black Bear Combo is a four to six member brass/reed band. It is described as a raucous mutt channeling the common energy between traditional music from eastern Europe and the Balkans, punk rock, and free jazz. The band will be performing on the main stage of the Milwaukee Ave Arts Fest on Sunday July 31st... Continue Reading →
Gerald Bailey | Trumpet & Music Production 