LA based drummer Charles Ruggiero is highly respected artist with 7 albums as a leader to his credit and many years of touring the globe with some of the planet's finest. His style, at once elegant and devastatingly powerful, is a sound all it's own. Uniquely original, fiercely swinging, entertaining and empathetic at heart, Charles is a highly sought after drummer for those seeking the "real deal". Mr Ruggiero presents an all-star group of NYC veteran jazz masters at this one-off show at Uncle Cheef! We don't get the pleasure of his company often, so this is an important one not to be missed.
Charles Ruggiero was born to be a drummer. The son of world renowned jazz musician Vinnie Ruggiero, Charles spent his early years surrounded by the "who's who" of jazz. There was always music around, and with musicians like Art Blakey, Philly Joe Jones, Freddie Hubbard, and Jon Hendricks coming to spend time and play, it was only a matter of time before he caught the bug and asked his father to play the "bang-bangs."
As a teenager, Charles got serious about drumming, playing anywhere he could. Soon, local high schools and colleges, as well as professional theatre groups, and popular local bands throughout western N.Y. started to hire him. After winning a seat in the New York State All State Jazz Ensemble, music colleges came calling. Manhattan School of Music offered a full scholarship and a chance to study with famed jazz educator Justin DiCioccio, so he jumped at the chance. The jazz scene in New York City in the early 90's was vibrant and he was plying regularly with his own "who's who" of jazz, including Joshua Redman, Peter Bernstein, Jane Monheit, Ryan Kisor, Joel Frahm, Sam Yahel, Brad Mehldau, Myron Walden, Chris Potter, and Dwayne Burno, to name a few.
In 1994, Charles joined Chuck Mangione's group, touring with the jazz superstar for the next 4 years. The first months of his time with Mangione provided him with the chance of a lifetime - learning the ropes, playing alongside the legendary drummer Steve Gadd. "He taught me so much, and he never uttered one word about music." says Ruggiero.
2022 began a new chapter in Charles' "solo" career with the release of "Drummer. Composer." (affectionally referred to as Roo•Gee•Air•Oh!) - an album of completely original material by Ruggiero himself. It hit #25 on the Jazz charts and continues to receive acclaim and airplay.
2024 showed no signs of slowing down in the touring or recording departments with Charles recording new records with Arturo Sandoval, Brian Bromberg, and Bob Reynolds, and Tony Guerrero as well as releasing his 8th album as a leader, "But of Course" a swinging affair with a couple of standards, a couple of songs by his contemporaries, and a few more originals by Ruggiero.
Featuring: CHARLES RUGGIERO: drums / JERRY WELDON: tenor saxophone / CHAMPIAN FULTON: piano / MIKE KARN: bass
Doors 6:30pm / Sets at 7:30pm & 9pm / One ticket ($15-$25) is valid for both sets, seating for the 9pm set is based upon availability