Étienne Charles is a Trinidadian trumpeter, composer and percussionist, born on 24 July 1983 in Port-of-Spain. His music draws on Caribbean and Creole rhythms woven into jazz, explored across nearly two decades of albums including 'Creole Soul', 'Creole Orchestra' and 'Gullah Roots'. A 2015 Guggenheim Fellow and 2022 Creative Capital Awardee, he was named Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture in 2024 and is a professor at the Frost School of Music in Miami.
Étienne Charles announced a 20-city world tour, which includes his debut in Denmark, Argentina, India and Colombia.
The tour concludes in Denmark, where Charles performs as soloist, conductor and arranger with DR Big Band in a three-concert series called 'Caribbean Connection'.
Charles released the album 'Gullah Roots' on his own Culture Shock label - his eleventh album, which explores Gullah Geechee culture along the US southeast coast.
Charles received the Laureate of the Arts and Letters award at the Anthony N. Sabga Awards for Caribbean Excellence.
The French Minister of Culture appointed Charles as Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, and 'Creole Orchestra' was named best jazz album of the year by Jazzweek.
Caribbean trumpeter Étienne Charles leads DR Big Band in a fusion of Caribbean music and modern jazz, with Cuban percussionist Eliel Lazo as guest.
Caribbean trumpeter Étienne Charles performs with DR Big Band in Holbæk, joined by Cuban percussionist Eliel Lazo. The concert blends Creole, Caribbean and American musical traditions.