Acclaimed Jazz Trumpeter Etienne Charles Nominated for NAACP Image Award
Renowned Trinidadian jazz trumpeter Etienne Charles has earned a prestigious nomination for the 2025 NAACP Image Awards. His critically acclaimed album, Creole Orchestra, is in the running for Outstanding Jazz Album, alongside works by Samara Joy, Matthew Whitaker, Kirk Whalum, and Javon Jackson with Nikki Giovanni.
This marks Charles’ first solo nomination for the NAACP Image Awards, a milestone in his illustrious career.
Creole Orchestra, released in June 2024, has captivated global audiences with its fusion of historical and cultural narratives. The album spent seven consecutive weeks at the top of the Jazzweek charts and was named the number one album of their Top 100 for 2024.
Upon learning of the nomination, Charles shared his gratitude:
“I feel humbled, grateful, elated, excited, flabbergasted, and so blessed. It was an honor and privilege to have the amazing René Marie alongside my stellar band of musicians in studio and on stage for this project. Big thanks to all of you for trusting me with your time and talents. To the listeners, programmers, and writers, thank you.”
Creole Orchestra features a 22-piece ensemble and highlights Charles’ innovative approach to jazz. Two-time Grammy Award nominee René Marie lends her vocals to four tracks, including Eartha Kitt’s iconic “I Wanna Be Evil,” the jazz standard “Centerpiece,” and two original compositions.
The album also includes dynamic collaborations, such as rapper Brandon Rose and turntablist DJ Logic on a reimagined version of Bell Biv DeVoe’s “Poison,” bridging jazz and hip-hop. Standout performances from trumpeter Jumaane Smith, trombonist Michael Dease, and bassist Ben Williams further elevate the project, showcasing the ensemble’s versatility.
Charles’ original composition, “Douens,” a calypso-inspired piece, shines with contributions from alto saxophonist Godwin Louis and pianist Sullivan Fortner.
Etienne Charles is celebrated for his mastery as a trumpeter, composer, and improviser, as well as for his deep understanding of Caribbean rhythms. Over his two-decade career, he has amassed numerous accolades, including the title of Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from France’s Ministry of Culture in 2024 and a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2015.
His influence extends beyond performance. As an educator, Charles serves as a professor at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and has conducted residencies at prestigious institutions such as Juilliard and Stanford University.
Notably, Charles co-produced Somi’s Petite Afrique, which won Outstanding Jazz Album at the 2018 NAACP Image Awards. He has also headlined major jazz festivals, including Newport, Monterey, and St. Lucia, and performed at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall and the Library of Congress.
Charles’ groundbreaking work continues to earn acclaim, with Creole Orchestra further solidifying his place as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary jazz.
The NAACP Image Awards ceremony will celebrate its nominees and winners in February 2025.
