Acclaimed as Ireland's "rising star" of jazz by The Irish Times, Charlie Moon stands out as a singular voice in the realms of cool jazz, blues, and soul jazz. Hailed by the BBC as “A very gifted young vocalist and guitarist” and often lauded as the Emerald Isle's answer to 'The Prince of Cool' Chet Baker, Moon has carved a niche for himself with a melodic guitar style that seamlessly blends rhythmically swinging bebop and blues.

 

Born into a musical legacy, Charlie inherits his father Nigel Mooney's guitar prowess, a figure celebrated as "Ireland's King of the Blues" by the BBC. His unique approach to the guitar draws inspiration from luminaries like Grant Green and Peter Bernstein, while his vocal stylings reflect influences from jazz icons such as Frank Sinatra and the aforementioned Chet Baker.

 

Named after jazz legend Charlie Parker, Moon's early exposure to music was inevitable, raised by parents who were both jazz musicians—his mother Mia, a singer. Charlie's full potential on the guitar surfaced at age 11, with a particular fondness for the iconic Jimi Hendrix. Guided by his father, he witnessed performances by jazz greats like Jimmy Smith, Ahmad Jamal, George Benson, Brad Mehldau, and Wayne Shorter and at 13, had the privilege of a guitar lesson with the legendary Larry Coryell, setting the stage for his future in jazz.

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After a European tour in 2013 with his band Croupier, he returned to academia, completing his Bachelor's degree in jazz performance in Dublin, followed by a Masters in the Netherlands. His journey included studying under the tutelage of Seamus Blake, Gregory Hutchinson, Lionel Loueke, and Jeff Ballard. Frequenting New York, he absorbed insights from guitar giants like Gilad Hekselman, Adam Rogers, Nir Felder, and Yotam Silberstein.

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In a significant milestone in 2021, Charlie Moon signed with New York-based jazz label Dot-Time Records, joining the ranks of Dave Liebman and Catherine Russel. This development underscores Moon's growing influence and recognition on the international jazz stage.

 

Back in 2018, Moon's talent extended to film, earning him a nomination for Best Original Score at the Kerry Film Festival for his work on 'Ask Me Now.' The compositions from this project found a new home in his debut album 'Patchwork,' created with The Charlie Moon Sextet. This cool jazz vocal album is inspired by classic Blue Note recordings and showcases original arrangements of Monk, Ellington, modern influences like Thom Yorke and James Blake, and some of Moon's own compositions. Released in 2022 with Dot-Time.

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As the journey continues, Moon's solo album, ‘Charlie Moon Sings & Plays’ was released in 2024. This moods and ballads album, featuring only Moon's voice and guitar, promises a deeply personal journey through his unique arrangements of favourite standards. A testament to Moon's musical soul, the album is set to captivate listeners, offering an intimate exploration of his distinctive interpretation of timeless classics.

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Charlie Moon's career has seen him grace the stages of prestigious jazz festivals in Cork, Limerick, Bray and further afield at the Bratislava jazz festival. He has also been a recurring presence with ensembles like the Dublin City Jazz Orchestra, The Hot House Big Band, and The Downtown Big Band, both as a singer and a rhythm guitarist respectively. Moon's musical journey is a testament to his dedication to the jazz tradition, fused with a contemporary sensibility that places him at the forefront of Ireland's jazz scene, now reaching across borders with his association with a prominent New York-based jazz label.

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Adding to his accolades, Charlie Moon has been invited to serve as one of the resident teachers at the 2024 Global Music Foundation Jazz Summit Workshop in Tuscany, Italy. This prestigious gathering features an impressive lineup of internationally acclaimed artists and educators, including eminent figures such as Scott Hamilton, Mark Hodgson, Bruce Barth, Francesco Petreni, and Stephen Keogh. Moon's inclusion as a faculty member not only highlights his skill as a performer but also a respected authority in the world of jazz education, further cementing his place among the genre's elite.

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If you want to catch Charlie live, he actively manages two highly sought-after jazz residencies within the city. Every Sunday evening, he takes the lead with the organ trio "Organ Freeman" at The Big Romance on Parnell Street. Simultaneously on Saturday afternoons, at the recently established Love Tempo on Thomas Street with the Charlie Moon Quartet. You'll also find him in Stoneybatter, his current place of residency for the last 10 years. Enjoy his solo act at the enchanting Joli wine bar every Thursday night. It's in this cozy setting that he dedicatedly refined the music for his upcoming solo album. These residencies have witnessed a notable increase in demand and popularity, further solidifying Charlie Moon's position as a leading figure in the ever-growing Dublin jazz scene.