Charlie Ballantine Trio

$15 ($10 adv.).

media release:  When Charlie got in touch with us about a possible gig at Slowpoke, we jumped at the chance. His music grooves and bites at the same time. I've quoted some stuff from the fancy jazz magazines below, but if you want it straight, it's like this: Charlie's Trio will make you sit back and sit up at the same time, and remind you why you wanted to come out to the jazz club in the first place.

"Restless, careening and dense with information, it’s hard to imagine bebop developing anywhere other than New York City. Most contemporary jazz continues to reflect the environment of that hub, teeming with intricate grooves and maniacal precision. Guitarist- composer Charlie Ballantine, on the other hand, hails from Indiana. The latest work with his trio conveys a Midwestern openness with relaxed intensity."

"In the vein of fellow guitarists like John Scofield, Bill Frisell and Julian Lage, Ballantine reconciles his educational background in jazz with the stylistic background of his instrument. He approaches the gratifying tonal and harmonic language of rock/roots with the groove, ambition and improvisational focus of a jazz musician."

Charlie Ballantine is an internationally renowned, award winning, touring guitarist. He has been a featured headlining artist at notable events such as the Penrod Art Festival, The Winnipeg International Jazz Festival, The Indianapolis Jazz Festival, The Virginia Ave. Folk Festival, The Bloomington Jazz Festival, The Elkhart Jazz Festival, and the Fountain Square Music Festival. Charlie is also a frequent performer at renowned jazz clubs such as The Jazz Kitchen (Indianapolis), Andy's Jazz Club (Chicago), Cliff Bell's (Detroit), and the Chatterbox (Indianapolis). His music stems from the traditions of folk, jazz, and blues music with influences such as Bill Frisell, John Scofield, Wes Montgomery, and Jimi Hendrix.