About Me
The life and times of JOSH CHARLES where it's come to being a musician and writer has been nothing short of interesting and unique. JC wrote his first song--("Child of the Sun") in its basic form at the tender age of 14 which later became a "stamp" on his first J.C.Bosco CD*. And even prior to that, JC performed an acoustic version of Simon & Garfunkel's "Sounds of Silence" in New Lincoln elementary school with another New Lincoln student inwhich a standing ovation took place afterwards. His commitment to music has been consistent and unshakeable. For example, when attending the High School of Music & Art, he realized while studying the upright bass that a good singing bassist was in demand in rock music -- and since rock music has been a strong love of JC's, he wasted little time in learning the electric bass in not only rock, but other musical forms as well like jazz, classical and free form music. He also kept up his voice studies. Luckily for JC, he was exposed to everything in those days from The Beatles and Yes to Oscar Peterson and Henry Cow as some influences. And especially after seeing King Crimson's "Lark's Tongue's in Aspic" and ELP's "Trilogy" tours in NY in the early 70's, JC knew without hesitation that being a bassplayer, singer and songwriter was his calling--(we must give Sir Paul credit there to!-;) In the mid-70's he played in various bands while developing his personal style as musician -- some of those bands included "Syndrome" which featured LOUIS JIMINEZ on guitar who even at that early stage, played with the noteable Rat Race Choir. Syndrome's strongest gig was clearly the "Battle of the Band's" contest that was held at a public school in Manhattan where each member gave the audience something very unexpected: an energetic, stirring rendition of King Crimson's "21st Century Schizoid Man"-(all the other bands were more typical "dance bands"-:) 3rd Rail as well as the San Franciso influenced "Chocolate Mexicane"--(led by LAUREN WEST) were other groups that featured JC as a strong bassist and singer. Circa 1981, JC founded his first original group "The Flow" which drew heavily upon early King Crimson "jam" influence --(among other progrock bands) incorporating some of JC's originals as well as some interesting instrumentals developed by each of its unique members. In 1983, JC recorded two of those original tunes: "Dollar Bills" and "Jigsaw Lady" on vinyl--(45rpm's to be exact-- remember those?-;) as a good first "back to back single" effort that later would bloom even stronger on the first two JCB concept CD's. In September of 1985, JC received his first radio airplay of "Seconds" on WBAI-FM, which many feel is his strongest vocal melody and (political) statement combined. In December of that same year, JC received more radio airplay on WPLJ-FM by combining forces with friend IAN ALTERMAN on a piece called "Song for John"-- dedicated to the memory of John Lennon--(JC played bass as well as sang lead vocals + played rhythm guitar). WKCR-FM also aired "Seconds" as well as another early JC piece: "Sloppy Poli...". And even with those things going on, JC found himself assisting other groups like "The Harptones" who played a gig at the Westbury Music Fair--(JC's biggest performance venue to date) where he helped save the day as substitute bassist as well as teaching children stringed instruments at The Jackson Heights Institute of Music & Dance later on. By mid-1986, JC founded his second group, "J.F. Bosco" which later became "J.C. Bosco"... it's within that concept that his "band dream" has been realized as the most enduring and logical force of passionate and strong creativity. The proof of that is in "A Positive Flow-the start of J.C. Bosco"-{Second Edition} which was released 12/04 in its "final" recorded stage, though originally released, 4/99*. On APF, JC executes all the vocals and plays all the instruments--(with the exception of some saxophone & flute). Already, APF has generated much interest with friends, fans and high ranking publications like Progression Magazine, Acid Dragon Magazine and "People Listen!" was even featured on 2002's Voices 3/Various Artists CD compilation of which JC was proud to be included amongst such artists as RAY BENNETT--(ex "Flash"). And although J.C.Bosco as a band has gone through its personnel changes, it has still been a consistent moving force in terms of writing, recording and playing at such venues as The Acme Undergound, Tramps, CBGB's, The C-Note, Kennys Castaways, The A&M Roadhouse, Bar B,etc. The present JCB lineup now includes ROBERT U-(keyboards) and we're seeking the right drummer to
complete the lineup. Luckily, past members ROB BENSON-(drums) and AARON MOMENT-(gtr.) have done a few J.C. Bosco gigs with JOSH CHARLES to spice things up along with completing J.C.Bosco's 2nd and most recent "official" effort: "Being in the Energy Funnel" released, 12/06. This is a release which seems to be getting more and more attention. As JC says, "Especially since the release of Energy Funnel, the reputation of J.C. Bosco has continued to grow at a quicker pace in the progressive rock community-(even with its other detectable musical influences). Many folks feel the project is worth bringing to an even broader audience and I'm doing my best to make that nice dream happen". Therefore, the JCB dream continues onward with passionate and creative writing for the ages...***[To purchase your copy of BEING IN THE ENERGY FUNNEL or A POSITIVE FLOW-the start of J.C. BOSCO-{Second Edition} just click on to: http://cdbaby.com/all/jcb4lifecc or http://cdbaby.com/cd/jcbosco2-(also above where it says "Band Website") and choose one of the "add to's" at CD Baby. Or to make things even easier, just click onto either CD's (small) photo where it says "BUY CD" at the end of the "Sounds Like" section. Good discounts are also available if purchasing more than one CD. On the A POSITIVE FLOW CD page, you can also find a cool review of it by Aural Innovation's JERRY KRANITZ, who's also been a long time supporter of JC's music.] "THANKS FOR READING, HAPPY LISTENING & GOD's SPEED!!"----:))
