Melanie J-B Charles

"Melanie J-B Charles graces the stage with poise and class" says Dorothy Goosby Hempstead Council woman. But once she opens her mouth or plays a chord, or blows a note on the flute, you are taken to another place and dimension. This Brooklyn raised Haitian- American has grown up listening to Jazz, R&B, classical, Kompas, and Gospel Music. Attending LaGuardia, High School, she discovered her talent for Composition and wrote a number of pieces that have been featured in major concerts. In 2004 Melanie's "Lost and Found" was played by a chamber group of the Orchestra of saint Lukes under the direction and guidance of DBR. "Melanie Took Mr. Glasss [Philip Glass] simplicity a step further by using a repeating single note, in the cello, as the basis for several important passages. That simplicity was deceptive, though: the music Ms. Charles wove around it had a bittersweet quality that recalled the late Beethoven." - New York Times ReviewAside from writing contemporary -classical music, Melanie writes and performs in the jazz, neo-soul, and R&B styles. In 2005 and 2006 she has written and arranged experimental music for WQXR, radio and in 2006 has had her song entitled "Why" featured on American Idol Extra. Aside from composition, Melanie is a strong performer in the Opera, Jazz and Popular styles. This year alone Melanie has won 5 Major scholarship competitions for Classical voice. Melanie has worked with the Classical Theatre of Harlem, and renowned actor, Andre DeShields in "Dream on Monkey Mountain." Ms. Charles has performed with Jazz legends Clark Terry, Wynton Marsalis, pop Star Michael Jackson, and many others. Ms. Charles will be attending the New School For Jazz and Contemporary Music this Fall. Melanie has gone on Music Tours with the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, in Russia and Germany and is set to go on tour as a featured artist in Italy this summer. She is currently working on her debut album. MySpace Layouts @ HOT FreeLayouts.com