Charles McPherson

Charles McPherson, an alto saxophone jazz musician and longtime San Diego resident, for decades has gifted the world with his music. Winton Marsalis, long an admirer, states: “Charles is the very definition of excellence in our music. He’s the definitive master on his instrument, playing with exceptional harmonic accuracy and sophistication…………….. unbelievable fire and an unparalleled depth of soul.”

Charles’ playing provided the soundtrack for the Clint Eastwood film – a biopic about Charlie Parker. He has performed and recorded with the likes of Charles Mingus, George Coleman, DeeDee Bridgewater, among many others. His 80th birthday bash was celebrated along with other world class musicians at New York’s Lincoln Center. Charles teaches and mentors upcoming musicians through UCSD’s summer music camps, partnering with Gilbert Castellanos and others, continuing to mentor talented youth and their vibrancy into the world of jazz.

Charles most recently wrote and recorded an album debuted in 2020 “Jazz Dance Suites,” inspired by and dedicated to his daughter Camille, a soloist ballerina with the San Diego Ballet. Downbeat Magazine declared that his “alluring lyricism and graceful improvisations are in splendid form on Jazz Dance Suites.”

Truly, Charles McPherson is a pioneer and visionary, a musical treasure, and the embodiment that we should never cease to live our passion.