CHARLOTTE

CHARLOTTE is an American blues

Blues

Blues is the name given to both a musical form and a music genre that originated in African-American communities of primarily the "Deep South" of the United States at the end of the 19th century from spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts and chants, and rhymed simple narrative ballads...

-based hard rock

Hard rock

Hard rock is a loosely defined genre of rock music which has its earliest roots in mid-1960s garage rock, blues rock and psychedelic rock...

 band that formed in Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...

 in 1986. Currently, they are signed to indie label, Eonian Records, under which they released their debut cd, Medusa Groove, in 2010. Notable Charlotte songs include 'Siren', 'Little Devils', 'Medusa Groove', 'Miss Necrophilia' and 'Ocean Of Love and Mercy'. In 1987, Charlotte started playing on the famed Sunset Strip

Sunset Strip

The Sunset Strip is the name given to the mile-and-a-half stretch of Sunset Boulevard that passes through West Hollywood, California. It extends from West Hollywood's eastern border with Hollywood at Harper Avenue, to its western border with Beverly Hills at Sierra Drive...

 in Los Angeles, CA. They've played at The Roxy Theatre

The Roxy Theatre

The Roxy Theatre is a famous nightclub, on the Sunset Strip, in West Hollywood, California. The Roxy is owned by Lou Adler and Adler's son, Nic, who operates the club.- History :...

, The Whisky-a-Go-Go

Whisky a Go Go

The Whisky a Go Go is a nightclub in West Hollywood, California, United States. It is located at 8901 Sunset Boulevard, on the Sunset Strip.-History:...

, and most recently The Cat Club in 2010, also on the Strip. They were both a headlining act and support act for the likes of Vixen

Vixen (band)

Vixen is an all-female American hard rock band which achieved some commercial success during the late 1980s and early 1990s as part of the Los Angeles, California glam metal scene.-Early years:...

, E-Z-O, and XYZ. The rock quintet disbanded in 1996, some members continuing to work in the music business, and reunited in 2009 after the deal with Eonian.

Early years, The late '80s

Charlotte was formed when vocalist Eric Ganz along with guitarists Vinnie Cacciotti and Nick DiBacco moved to L.A. from upstate N.Y. in late 1986 and met up with bassist Rob Thiessen and drummer Eric Brewton. With this lineup the band took to the stages of The Whisky-a-Go-Go and The Roxy, playing alongside bands such as Warrant

Warrant (American band)

Warrant is an American heavy metal band from Hollywood, California, that experienced success from 1989-1996 with five albums reaching international sales of over 10 million. The band first came into the national spotlight with their debut album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich, and one of its...

 and The Zeros. Eventually the band and Rob parted ways and Chris Colovas stepped in as bass player. Rob would go on to form Canadian rock/metal band Noise Therapy in the '90s. As for Charlotte, their sound evolved into a '70s influenced, bluesy, hard rock sound. Teaming up with producer Mike Wolf (ex-guitarist for King Kobra

King Kobra

King Kobra is a glam metal group founded by drummer Carmine Appice after his tenure with Ozzy Osbourne in 1984. The band during the time of their first two albums included four relatively unknown musicians: vocalist Mark Free, guitarist David Michael-Philips, guitarist Mick Sweda, and bassist...

), Charlotte recorded some of the songs that would, in time, be released on their debut album.

The '90s

By 1990 Charlotte was playing the Whisky, The Roxy, and FM Station on a regular basis. They shared the stage with Saraya

Saraya

Saraya were an American hard rock band, based in New Jersey and featuring singer Sandi Saraya, guitarist Tony "Bruno" Rey, keyboardist Gregg Munier, bassist Gary Taylor, and drummer Chuck Bonfante...

 and Freight Train Jane at the Pomona, CA.

Pomona, California

-2010:The 2010 United States Census reported that Pomona had a population of 149,058, a slight decline from the 2000 census population. The population density was 6,491.2 people per square mile...

 National Truck-fest and appeared at The Palace Theater with XYZ (Terry Ilous) and Cry Wolf

Cry Wolf (band)

Cry Wolf is a melodic hard rock band formed in the San Francisco Bay Area in the mid-1980s. Originally named Heroes, the band consisted of Tim Hall , Steve McKnight , Phil Deckard , John Freixas and JC Crampton ....

. They began working with veteran producer Marc DeSisto (Joe Cocker

Joe Cocker

John Robert "Joe" Cocker, OBE is an English rock and blues musician, composer and actor, who came to popularity in the 1960s, and is most known for his gritty voice, his idiosyncratic arm movements while performing, and his cover versions of popular songs, particularly those of The Beatles...

, Melissa Etheridge

Melissa Etheridge

Melissa Lou Etheridge is an American rock singer-songwriter and musician.Etheridge is known for her mixture of confessional lyrics, pop-based folk-rock, and raspy, smoky vocals...

, U2

U2

U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono , The Edge , Adam Clayton , and Larry Mullen, Jr. . U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music...

, Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd were an English rock band that achieved worldwide success with their progressive and psychedelic rock music. Their work is marked by the use of philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows. Pink Floyd are one of the most commercially...

) in creating a sound more reflective of the band's roots; the 1970s rock sound. Gone was the glam image they incorporated when they formed earlier in the '80s. In reviewing one of the band's performances Stephanie Jordan, rock writer for Screamer Magazine

Screamer magazine

Screamer Magazine, "The Loudest Mag On The Planet," was created by David F. Castagno in October 1987. The publication started out as a vehicle in which to promote local rock bands in the Los Angeles area. The magazine's popularity spread quickly and almost immediately garnered the attention of many...

, wrote; "Dark, esoteric, and bordering on psychotic, Charlotte proved themselves far above the competition repeatedly throughout their performance...music that actually hurts. Beautiful." Tom Farrell, after being impressed with the band's performance at Hollywood's Red Light District, wrote in Music Connection that Charlotte is 'very unique' and does not fit in to the latest trends. With DeSisto and Mike Wolf producing, the band recorded more songs at various studios in L.A.

Los Ángeles

Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...

 including Paramount Studios and A & M Studios, both in Hollywood, CA., for their forthcoming release, Medusa Groove. However, despite interest from a couple of major labels, the album would not be released during this time. Charlotte would play their last show in 1996. Chris ended up playing bass for Sircle Of Silence, featuring ex-Accept/Bangalore Choir

Bangalore Choir

Bangalore Choir is an American hard rock band formed in 1991. They were formed by the former frontman of Accept, David Reece, and guitarists Curt Mitchell and John Kirk . Joining them from Hericane Alice, was bassist Ian Mayo and Jackie Ramos on drums. Their debut album was produced by Max...

 vocalist, David Reece

David Reece

David L. Reece is an American vocalist best known for his time with Accept and contribution to their 1989 album Eat the Heat.-Before Accept:...

, in the mid-'90s. Eric Ganz and Vinnie started working with music in film and TV.

The Reunion

In 2009 Stephen Craig, executive producer/owner of Eonian Records, contacted Charlotte and a deal was made for the 2010 release of their debut cd, Medusa Groove. The album was officially released April 20, 2010 to favorable reviews. UK rock magazine, Fireworks, says in their 2010 issue #40 that Medusa Groove is "..twelve re-mixed kick-ass songs." Lords Of Metal, a webzine out of The Netherlands, gave Medusa Groove Album Of The Month honors shortly after its release and Metalstorm calls the album one of the most eclectic rock albums heard in ages. In November, 2010, with Gary Meadors (Gene Loves Jezebel

Gene Loves Jezebel

Gene Loves Jezebel are a gothic rock band from the early 1980s, now two separate bands of the same name, founded by identical twin brothers, Michael and Jay Aston .-Early years: 1980-1989:...

) on drums, Charlotte reunited for its first show together in almost 15 years, playing The Cat Club on L.A.'s Sunset Strip.

Current Members:

Eric Ganz-Lead Vocals, Nick DiBacco-Guitar, Vinnie Cacciotti-Guitar, Chris Colovas-Bass, Gary Meadors-Drums

Former Members:

Eric D. Brewton-Drums, Rob Thiessen-Bass
Discography-

Medusa Groove p & c 2010, Eonian Records

Studio Albums:

Medusa Groove, Eonian Records (2010)

Influences:

Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin were an English rock band, active in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. Formed in 1968, they consisted of guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham...

, Deep Purple

Deep Purple

Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. Along with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, they are considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although some band members believe that their music cannot be categorised as belonging to any one genre...

, Guns N' Roses

Guns N' Roses

Guns N' Roses is an American hard rock band, formed in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, in 1985. The band has released six studio albums, three EPs, and one live album...

, Faith No More

Faith No More

Faith No More is an American rock band from San Francisco, California, formed originally as Faith No Man in 1981 by bassist Billy Gould, keyboardist Wade Worthington, vocalist Michael Morris and drummer Mike Bordin. A year later when Worthington was replaced by keyboardist Roddy Bottum, and Mike...

, The Doors

The Doors

The Doors were an American rock band formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, California, with vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, drummer John Densmore, and guitarist Robby Krieger...

, James Brown

James Brown

James Joseph Brown was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and recording artist. He is the originator of Funk and is recognized as a major figure in the 20th century popular music for both his vocals and dancing. He has been referred to as "The Godfather of Soul," "Mr...

, Willie Dixon

Willie Dixon

William James "Willie" Dixon was an American blues musician, vocalist, songwriter, arranger and record producer. A Grammy Award winner who was proficient on both the Upright bass and the guitar, as well as his own singing voice, Dixon is arguably best known as one of the most prolific songwriters...

, The Allman Brothers Band

The Allman Brothers Band

The Allman Brothers Band is an American rock/blues band once based in Macon, Georgia. The band was formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1969 by brothers Duane Allman and Gregg Allman , who were supported by Dickey Betts , Berry Oakley , Butch Trucks , and Jai Johanny "Jaimoe"...

, Aerosmith

Aerosmith

Aerosmith is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "The Bad Boys from Boston" and "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band". Their style, which is rooted in blues-based hard rock, has come to also incorporate elements of pop, heavy metal, and rhythm and blues, and has inspired many...

, Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix

James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix was an American guitarist and singer-songwriter...

Related subjects:

Executive Producer: Stephen Craig at Eonian Records; Production: Mike Wolf, Marc DeSisto; A&M Studios; Paramount Studios; Fireworks magazine; Lyrics written by Eric Ganz, Music written by CHARLOTTE
Categories: CHARLOTTE (band) | metal musical groups | Blues-rock groups | American hard rock musical groups |
Los Angeles heavy metal musical groups | Los Angeles, New York rock music groups
| Musical groups from Los Angeles, New York,| Musical groups established in 1980's | 1980's music groups | 1990's music groups | 2010's music groups | Sunset Strip Bands

references:

Music Connection, Los Angeles, vol. 15 no. 5, March 1991, pages 32 and 38
Metal Forces, UK, no 53, Aug 1990, page 58
Crash, Los Angeles, no 4, Oct 1989, pages 40 & 41
Rock City News, Los Angeles, vol. 8 no. 13, 1990, pages 70 & 71
Rock City News, Los Angeles, vol. 9 no. 13, 1991, page 34
Screamer, Los Angeles, Feb 1991, page 12
Screamer, Los Angeles, Jul 1991, page 53
Hollywood Rocks, Los Angeles, no. 21, 1991
Fireworks UK, issue no. 40, 2010, page 82
http://www.revelationz.net/index.asp?Type=5&Topic=1735
http://www.gracefuldegradation.co.uk/2010/04/charlotte-medusa-groove.html
http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=3345&lang=en
http://www.metalstorm.net/pub/review.php?review_id=7890
http://www.spirit-of-metal.com/groupe-groupe-Sircle_Of_Silence-l-en.html
http://www.spirit-of-rock.com/groupe-groupe-Gene_Loves_Jezebel-l-en.html
http://musicconnection.com/2009/03/mike-wolf-engineer-mixer-producer-musician/
http://www.studioexpresso.com/profiles/marcdesisto.htm
http://dropd.com/issue/5/NTInterview/