TESTIMONIALS
"Originally a pianist, Charlie Shoemake switched to the vibraphone in the early 60's (with encouragement from Victor Feldman) and put in seven years as a member of George Shearing's quintet. The Texas-born musician has spent much of his time since then teaching in Southern California and recording a series of little-known albums(all gems) for small labels that reveal him to be a remarkable bebop vibes stylist who's capable of negotiating complex tunes (many of his own composition) and breakneck tempos with consummate grace and intense swing. Wife Sandi, a first rate vocalist who specializes in ballads, usually appears with him on his albums and joins him in this rare Bay Area engagement…"
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- San Francisco Examiner
"Sandi Shoemake is one of the most underrated vocalists on the contemporary scene.."
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- Leonard Feather, Jazz Critic
"A major voice of jazz vibraphone…"
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- Scott Yanow, L.A. Jazz Scene
"Arguably the most successful teacher of jazz improvisation in Southern California history, Shoemake is also a highly charged mallet man capable of blistering solos off the metronome markings…"
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- Leonard Feather, Jazz Critic
"Charlie has something going with not only his playing but his compositions as well that I haven't heard before. I think being on the west coast has hurt him as far as the recognition he should have. I know I'd like to play a lot more with him…"
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- Hank Jones
"Charlie was a helluva musician when he was with my quintet but he's even better now…"
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- George Shearing