 01/01/2006 DATE OF BIRTH: 23/01/68
PLACE OF BIRTH: THE WORLD FAMOUS WELWYN GARDEN CITY
PERSONAL MOTTO: “HELL YEAH!”
STYLE OF MUSIC (IN FIVE WORDS): SOUL JAZZ FUNK HOP THANG
DESCRIBE YOURSELF (IN FIVE WORDS): A BIG ‘OL LOT
Having in the past supported the likes of Roy Ayers, Fred Wesley, Gil Scott Heron, Don Blackman and James Brown (playing bass in the funk band the Big Cheese Allstars), it’s no wonder that 6’ 8” Englishman Charlie Tate’s music sounds the way it does. A move to Oakland, California, in October 2002, the purchase of copious amounts of second hand jazz and Colossus was born! Launching the weekly Slow Gin jazz and soul party in Oakland, Tate discovered some extremely talented local Bay Area MCs, four of whom are featured on the ‘West Oaktown’ album. Capitol A has worked with King Britt, Jazzanova, and 4 Hero, Delphi, a new cat straight outta Flint MI, Azeem, a Bay area stalwart, and Regi B originally from Buffalo New York, and upon returning to London, Hilton Smythe AKA Roots Manuva joins in on a few guest vocal tracks. Created as a complete album including something for the hip hop heads and another side for the jazz lovers, on listening, it’s pretty self evident where ‘West Oaktown’ is coming from – hip hop but with a hefty dose of jazz, funk and soul...and as far as influences go, see above!
What do you do to chill out after a hectic night performing?
I like to be drinking refreshing beverages with my good buddies... maybe I’ll get down if I’m feelin it!
What is your biggest achievement so far?
Getting a really kick ass band together with absolutely no budget.
Who are your musical heroes?
James Brown, Roy Ayers, Gill Scott Heron, John Coltraine, Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, A Tribe Called Quest.
Tell us about your new projects.
Well, the Colossus LP is out now. Just playing some shows, DJing a bit, gonna start recording a new album in the new year. Doing a few bits and pieces with Freerange, a bit of deep house, amongst other things, with King Kooba... you know... stuff.
What are your plans for the future?
Just gonna keep writing.
Are there any artists you would like to work with?
Freddie Hubbard ...yeah!
What is catching your ear at the moment?
I’ve just been buying loads of old Latin jazz... a bit of hip hop... yeah, old 60s Latin... Really right back into it!
You’re having a dinner party. Who would you invite and why?
Niall Ferguson. I’ve been reading his book ‘Colossus’. He’s just the best writer of history and politics at the moment. Freddie Hubbard, Oliver Reed and George Best... Oh, and a couple of birds!
What is your recipe for success?
Cumin and coriander.
What makes you happy?
The sun.
What makes you angry?
Late running public transport - drives me nuts.
What was the last CD/record you bought?
A 1962 bossa record with Cal Tjader and Sergio Mendes.
What is your favourite song?
‘Where is the Love’ by Donnie and Roberta - what a killer cut!
If not a DJ/producer/artist then what?
I’d probably be making furniture.
Colossus ‘West Oaktown’ available on Om Records
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