In the vein of fellow guitarists like John Scofield, Bill Frisell and Julian Lage, Ballantine reconciles his background in jazz with the stylistic background of his instrument...the gratifying tonal and harmonic language of rock/roots with the groove, ambition and improvisational focus of a jazz musician.
The Americana-infused influences Baltimore-based guitarist Charlie Ballantine naturally fell into during his years growing up in Indiana blend seamlessly with his Indianapolis jazz pedigree—instilled by the residual sounds of Wes Montgomery and Freddie Hubbard in the city's air. Since moving east several years ago, the environment, the new colleagues and the energy lent an added dynamic, displayed here in Ballantine's musical connection with the acclaimed New York drummer, Dan Weiss. Bassist Quinn Sternberg, a decades-long compatriot from Indiana, rounds out the trio, adding his years on the New Orleans music scene to the mix.
"A Guitarist teeming with intricate grooves and maniacal precision." JazzTimes
1 Storyteller 3:55
2 Runaround 4:06
3 Trinkle, Tinkle 4:53
4 Strawberry Fields Forever 5:09
5 Modern Bohemian 5:29
6 Tomorrow Never Knows 4:19
7 Cigarette Siren 4:56
8 When Will the Blues Leave 2:59
9 Alameda 3:49
Music by Charlie Ballantine, except:
(3) Thelonious Monk
(4,6) Lennon/McCartney
(8) Ornette Coleman
(9) Elliot Smith
Charlie Ballantine - guitar
Quinn Sternberg - bass
Dan Weiss - drums
Produced by Charlie Ballantine
Recorded, mixed & mastered by Tyler Watkins
at Postal Recording, Indianapolis, IN
Recorded on May 8th & 9th, 2024
Photos by Fred Miller
Cover design & layout by John Bishop