Charlie Rouse life and biography

Charlie Rouse (April 6, 1924 - November 30, 1988) was an American hard bop tenor saxophonist and flautist.


Charlie Rouse was a well known American hard bop tenor, saxophonist and flautist. His career is marked by the collaboration for more than ten years with Thelonious Monk.

Born in Washington, DC, his work with Thelonious Monk’s quartet, a period which lasted from 1959 to 1970 became highly influential simply due to his proximity to Monk. He was later a founding member of the group Sphere, which began as a tribute to Monk. He also worked with Mal Waldron’s quintet. When performing, Rouse moved very little, looked straight ahead, and wore a solemn expression.

Charlie Rouse died from lung cancer at University Hospital in Seattle at the age of 64.

The asteroid "(10426) Charlierouse" was officially named to honor Charlie Rouse in 2007 by its discoverer, the American planetary scientist and astronomer Joe Montani, a Monk and Rouse fan. The asteroid is in the main-belt of asteroids. Asteroid "(11091) Thelonious" was named earlier by Montani. Each asteroid has an orbital period of about 4 years, and is about 10 kilometers in size.

Career Stations:

* Billy Eckstine Orchestra: 1944;
* Dizzy Gillespie Big Band: 1945;
* Duke Ellington Orchestra: 1949-1950;
* Count Basie Octet: 1950;
* Oscar Pettiford Sextet: 1955;
* The Thelonious Monk Quartet: 1959 - 1970

Discography:

As leader:
* The Chase Is On, 1957, Bethlehem.
* Takin’ Care Of Business, 1960, Prestige.
* Unsung Hero, 1960-61, Epic.
* Live at the ‘It’ Club, 1964, Columbia Jazz
* Bossa Nova Bacchanal, 1962-65, Blue Note.
* Two is One, 1973, Strata-East Records.
* Moment’s Notice, 1977, Storyville.

With Louis Smith:

* Smithville (1958)

With Mal Waldron:

* The Git Go - Live at the Village Vanguard (Soul Note, 1986)
* The Seagulls of Kristiansund (Soul Note, 1986)

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