Charles McNeal

Artists to Watch - Charles McNeil: Stepping onto the Front Stage

Join us in this captivating episode of "Artists to Watch" presented by The A.E. Group and 91.5 Jazz and More, as we delve into the mesmerizing journey of Charles McNeil. A well-known name in the vibrant Vegas jazz and blues scene, Charles McNeil has spent years harmonizing his saxophone alongside lead performers. However, the time has finally come for Charles to take center stage, both in his recorded music and live performances.

In this episode, we sit down with Charles to explore his musical evolution. From his early beginnings playing clarinet in school to his transition to saxophone during high school, Charles takes us through the pivotal moments that ignited his passion for music. Denver, Colorado's dynamic music scene played a crucial role in shaping his artistry, where he drew inspiration from young musicians performing at a professional level.

We get a glimpse into Charles' eclectic musical palette, spanning jazz, blues, funk, and soul. Discover how his diverse musical upbringing, influenced by gospel, blues, and his father's eclectic taste, molded his distinctive sound. Through a candid conversation, Charles shares his deep connection to jazz, the genre that ignited his musical journey.

While Charles has lent his saxophone talents to numerous collaborations and recordings, he's preparing to take a monumental step with his solo music. We explore the internal struggle he faces as an artist, the delicate balance between self-doubt and the urge to share his art with the world. With the encouragement of friends, peers, and industry insiders, Charles contemplates the leap into releasing his own work.

Tune in as Charles introduces his talented bandmates, Chris Caden on piano and keys, Timothy Bailey on bass, and a drummer known for his energy. They're set to grace the stage at The Gambit in Henderson, where their electrifying blend of jazz, soul, and funk will captivate the audience. Charles invites you to be part of the magic, sharing details of the upcoming performance that promises a night of musical enchantment.

Don't miss this episode of "Artists to Watch," a glimpse into the world of Charles McNeil as he steps onto the front stage and embraces his own musical spotlight. To experience the melodic brilliance firsthand, join Charles and his friends at The Gambit Henderson, located at 2031 West Sunset Road in Henderson. For tickets and more information, visit aegroplv.com or kunv.org. It's an evening that promises to resonate with the soulful rhythms of jazz, soul, and funk, showcasing the immense talent of an artist on the rise.

What is Artists To Watch - Las Vegas?

Running the best smooth jazz station in America—right here in the entertainment capital of the world—brings no shortage of opportunities to connect with top talent. From world-renowned jazz musicians and R&B legends to the occasional celebrity drop-in, the KUNV studios are a hub for unforgettable conversations. Whenever these artists come to town, our team is ready—with the mics on and the cameras rolling—to sit down and have a chat.

Jason
0:00:00
The A.E. Group and 91.5 Jazz and More presents Artists to Watch. If you're hip to the Vegas jazz and blues scene, Charles McNeil is a name you probably recognize from his decades of service as a saxophone player accompanying a lead performer. But finally, Charles is stepping out of the side stage and onto the front stage in both his recorded music and his live performances and he'll be performing this week at The Gambit out in Henderson. I got a chance to talk to Charles last week. Charles, welcome to the show. Hey, how's it going, man? It's going good. You know, we're all very familiar with your voice. How long you've been in the business here in Las Vegas? In

Charles
0:00:34
Las Vegas, I think I've been here for about 15 years, 14, 15 years. My music career started in Denver, Colorado. So, you know, I started playing, you know, like folks my age, we all play instruments in school. So I started out on clarinet and then when I got to high school the music teacher didn't need any more clarinet players and I was really bad. So he was like I want to play saxophone. So he actually let me take the school saxophone home over the summer and that that kind of started the journey. The music scene was incredible in Denver Colorado and there was just some amazing young young musicians that were playing at a professional level and that just inspired me to want to do what I do now.

Jason
0:01:21
And I love how you're a combination because they have it written up as jazz, blues, funk and soul. If you had to only take one of those genres on a desert island, which one would it be?

Charles
0:01:31
Oh, that's going to be hard. If I had to take one, I got to go with jazz. That's what started it for me. Now, I grew up, my mom listened to gospel and blues, my dad listened to everything. So, I grew up in that environment, like, just great music.

Jason
0:01:50
Now this is usually where we would segue to Charles' latest song, but Charles doesn't really have his own song. He's only ever been featured in other people's songs, but that's about to change.

Charles
0:02:00
Like, I'm on a lot of CDs, but I haven't put anything out on my own. So I have interest in a lot of friends and just different people on record companies and myself that want to release the CDs. So it's just me getting up the nerve to do it. You know, you do, I don't know if you're an artist yourself, you do something and you always have that thing, you know, if you're doing it all on your own. Is it good enough? Is that, I guess, you know, so that little bit of fear of putting it out there. But, you know, so many people have said, Charles, man, you got to release it, you know, release it and move on to the next one.

Jason
0:02:38
You're playing this Thursday at the Gambit in Henderson with your friends, Chris, Tom and Dre. Tell me a little bit about your band.

Charles
0:02:45
Okay, Chris Caden here will be a piano player. He's on piano, keys and then on bass. It's Timothy Bailey. I met Tim when I was doing some other gigs A couple of years ago and then on drums is great energy. I don't know what great last name is I just know it's great energy. Hey, what's up folks? This is Charles McNeil saxophone player I hope to see you this Thursday at the Gambit in Henderson

Jason
0:03:13
Jazz soul and funk with Charles McNeil and friends. It's happening this Thursday night at the Gambit Henderson, 2031 West Sunset Road in Henderson. And you can find information and tickets at aegrobelv.com. Artists to watch. Artists to watch. Find more information at kunv.org.