Duck Baker, Coda, reviewing "Play Free or Die"
“The free passages share space with full-chested swing, sharp arrangements and the kind of broad humor Kohlhase gleaned from his mentor, Roswell Rudd.”
Aaron Steinberg, Jazz Times, reviewing “Play Free or Die”
“The closing four-part composition, 'The Mad Suite', allocates ample space for individual expression and there's plenty of gutsy and fluent soloing throughout, but arguably its greatest interest derives from Kohlhase's conception of group music.” Julian Cowley, The Wire, reviewing “Play Free or Die”
Charlie is interviewed on Here & Now, a daily public radio news program on WBUR, 90.9 FM.
Charlie Kohlhase again voted “Best Local Jazz Act” in Boston Phoenix’s Best Music Poll 2003.
“Play Free Or Die is old-school music in the best sense. It’s organic, spontaneous, and involving. Melody plays an essential role.”
Nils Jacobson, All Music Guide
“Is there anything Charlie Kohlhase can't do? He plays "straight-ahead" jazz with more depth and fervor than many a young lion. He plays "outside" - often on those same "straight-ahead" pieces - with coherence, wit, and a firm sense of musical architecture. He composes imaginatively and prolifically. He leads a group of five enormously talented and capable musicians with his own combustible alto, baritone and tenor saxophone playing. All he lacks - so far - is recognition commensurate with his abilities.”
Robert Spencer, All About Jazz
Charlie participates in panel discussion with Fred Hersch, Andy Bey, and Gary Burton on being a gay jazz musician at the Village Vanguard.
To see more photos of Charlie, visit downtownmusic.net