Press Releases

​SF Composer
Charles Xavier Brings
​ His Jazz Quartet to the
Red Poppy Art House on December 15
​

​Dec. 1, 2016 - Known for its “Unconventional  Music for Unconventional Minds,” Happy Note Records is bringing together four masters of their instruments for an evening of singular improvisation with original compositions written by Xavier during his tenure with Satori. Regarded for their high level of creativity and new interpretations, the pieces from the Satori catalog are influenced by Chick Corea, Miles Davis and Keith Jarrett.

The Charles Xavier Quartet
Clifford Brown III – trumpet Carrying on the legacy of his grandfather, jazz trumpeter extraordinaire Clifford Brown Sr., Clifford has acknowledged and demonstrated his role in the global neo-jazz movement. Never bound by the east coast, west coast definitions of horn sounds that have limited previous generations, Clifford has found his unique niche in the movement, allowing him to transcend traditional jazz-bebop values and explore new universes of audio amalgamation.
Terry Rodriguez – piano Just as the music just flows from his fingers across the keyboards, Terry Rodriguez is equally comfortable with the most challenging pieces of the jazz masters as making simple melodies come to life. Electronic or classical grand piano, Terry Rodriguez brings life and melody from the white ivories.
Richard Saunders – bass Creative forces can come through the deep tones of the upright base when in the hands of Richard Saunders. Well known in the jazz circles of San Francisco, this active and passionate player brings his unique voice and tight performances to the live stage.

​Doors for the show open at 7:00pm and the event begins at 7:30pm. Admission is $10-$20. All ages are welcome.

​Charles Xavier Presents
Happy Note Records Sampler 2016,
​a Compilation Album Showcasing Artists
​and Music from
Multiple Xman Releases

Oct. 5, 2016 - This powerful new compilation spans 20 plus years of The Xman’s releases, featuring contributions from Satori, The Messengers, and genres including Jazz, Electronic, New Age and Ambient music.

Many of the tracks on Happy Note Records Sampler 2016 feature the industry’s national and global touring talent, including Smooth Jazz Sensation saxophonist Sam Riney (Freddie Hubbard, Ray Charles, Chaka Khan), Bay Area Trumpeter Warren Gale (Joe Henderson), Virtuoso drummer Vinnie Colaiuta (Herbie Hancock, Jeff Beck, Joni Mitchell, Paul McCartney), percussionist Jackie Bertone (Brian Wilson, Stanley Clarke, Tower of Power), guitarist Barry Reynold (Grace Jones, Marianne Faithful, Black Uriah), Frankie “Blue” Sposato (Tricky, Garbage, Jamiroquai, The Rembrandts), bassists Tony Newton (Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Tony Williams), and Steve “Liberty” Loria (Spirit, Tricky), keyboardists Richard Larsen (Berlin, Erasure, Atomic Clock) and Hayden Clemente (Huey Lewis, MC Hammer) and harpist Carol Robbins (Billy Childs, Jose Feliciano). This project was recorded in many studios including Control Center (Los Angeles), Hit City West (LA), Skip Saylor Studios (LA), Post Logic Studios (LA), Happy Media (LA & San Bruno, CA), and Polarity Post (San Francisco). 

One of the biggest gems on the new sampler is the single “The Dreamer” (Grammy 2016 1st round Nominations for Best Dance Recording and Best Instrumental Composition) from the upcoming BOSCO album planned for 2017. The instrumental showcases the Xman’s latest creative direction of building fantasy electronic melodies using a Yamaha MX49 keyboard with an electronic mallet controller, along with a battery of percussive toys. The new digital FX found in the “The Dreamer” lays the musical groundwork for audiences who are drawn to electronic sounds controlled by midi or Bluetooth for expressive real-time control by the Xman.

Ecletic New Age
​Christmas Music
- Xmas Vibe -
​Just Released in
​5.1 Surround Sound DVD

Dec. 8, 2011 - Happy Note Records has just released Charles Xavier’s Xmas Vibe DVD in 5.1 surround sound, allowing listeners to enjoy rich layered, 3D audio sensations. The new age Christmas music album, which was released in stereo last year, is an eclectic and hip perspective on classic and contemporary holiday music.

Captivatingly jazzy and relaxing, Xavier’s Christmas album is a mix of vibrant vocals, rock guitar riffs, piano, iridescent vibes, as well as a technology sampling of chimes and bells. Called enchanting, mystical, Xmas Vibe takes the listener on a creative harmonious musical journey through a magical winter landscape in style.
​
"I wanted to create music that uplifts the soul and brings new dimension to the holiday season," said Xavier. “It's not a typical approach to Christmas music, but I think it's innovative. I approached these songs with the intent of something new."

Reviews are positive. Longtime DownBeat columnist Frank-John Hadley has reported, “Playing vibes, keyboards, and drums, joined by guitarist Russell Golub and Tina Murray on vocals, Xavier fills his wassail bowl with electronic sounds, samplings, Gary Burton-like abstractions, elements of world-music, quirky allusions to, maybe Gong’s vibes player Pierre Moerlen. A dozen carols and holiday favorites drift together as one trippy soundscape. Recommended.” DownBeat has elsewhere called Charles Xavier a “Rara Avis,” which is Latin for rare bird.

Music of our Heart blogger Edward David Jennings called Xmas Vibe “a total sensory experience that immerse audience members in layers of textured sound, allowing the mind to escape to new realms of serenity.” Lee Mergner of JazzTimes wrote “Xmas Vibe features eclectic and creative interpretations of many traditional and contemporary Christmas songs, such as of John Lennon’s Happy Xmas (The War is Over) and the classic God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman.”