Charleston Latin
Jazz Collective
THE LOW COUNTRY'S
PREMIER LATIN DANCE BAND
The Charleston Latin Jazz Collective is a group of seven individuals that have joined together to create a unique high-energy sound that captures the essence of traditional Cuban dance music as well as more contemporary Latin Jazz. With three front horns and an all-star rhythm section, the group showcases strong solo talents and powerful custom arrangements that come together to form an unforgettable musical experience. This music is all about having fun, and everything we play is meant to turn any event into a dance party.
Ron Wiltrout is a percussionist based in Charleston, South Carolina. He performs regularly throughout the Southeast with ensembles whose styles range from jazz to free improvisation to avant-garde and contemporary classical music. An avid performer of new music, he has premiered pieces by Ted Hearne, Michael Pisaro, Sam Sfirri, Mustafa Walker, Sean Friar, Philip White, and Nathan Koci. Ron is devoted to exploring the use of unconventional percussion and extended techniques. He co-leads multiple jazz groups and is currently co-artistic director for the New Music Collective. Ron has performed with Lewis/Gregory/Wiltrout, The Rudy Waltz, the Garage Cuban Band, Lee Barbour, Tommy Gill, Bert Ligon, Brad Moranz, Tumbao, Duda Lucena, Kopaja, Delusion Story, Katrina Ballads, The Charleston Jazz Orchestra, and the Opposite of a Train.
A native of Awendaw, SC, Charlton Singleton (trumpet) began his musical studies at the age of three on the piano. He would then go on to study the violin, cello, and the trumpet throughout elementary, middle and high school. In 1994, he received a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from South Carolina State University. Since that time, he has taught music at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, as well as being an adjunct faculty member at the College of Charleston. Currently, he is the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Charleston Jazz Orchestra; a 20 piece jazz ensemble of some of the finest professional musicians in the Southeast and the resident big band in Charleston, SC. As a performer, Charlton leads his own traditional jazz group (Charlton Singleton Quintet) and a contemporary group (Charlton Singleton Band). He has performed in France, Great Britain, Scotland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, The Netherlands, as well as many great cities throughout the United States. He has also shared the stage with and/or worked with some of most talented entertainers in the world. Outside of music and entertainment, he is a devoted husband and proud father of two.
Jake Holwegner (bass) played electric bass with local R & B and funk bands for years before studying upright bass at the College of Charleston with Lee Burrows and Frank Duvall, as well as Charleston Symphony bassist Tom Bresnick. His interest in Latin music led him to travel to Cuba in 2003, where he was able to study authentic performance styles and learn from many local musicians. In Charleston, Jake has been one of the house players at the Charleston Grill for the last seven years, as well as a regular member of the Lee Barbour Trio, Caravan, and Havanason, Tumbao, and many other local groups.
David Heywood (arranger, flute, percussion) has been an Adjunct Professor in the Jazz Department of the College of Charleston since 1999, where he directs the Wind Ensemble, Basketball Pep Band and two jazz performing ensembles. As a performer in Charleston, he has appeared with local groups including The New Music Collective, the salsa bands Havanason and Tumbao, The Charleston Jazz Orchestra, and dozens of other local jazz musicians and groups. He is also a published arranger, and has transcribed or arranged commissions for concert band, big band, and small wind groups for the U.S. Air Force groups based in Georgia, Virginia, Nebraska, Colorado, and Germany, as well as professional groups in Las Vegas, and of course The Charleston Jazz Orchestra. Mr. Heywood received a BM in performance from North Texas State University, and an MM in Jazz Studies from the University of South Carolina.
Gerald Gregory (piano) began playing piano at the age of six with encouragement and support from his mom. He moved from his home of Roanoke, VA to Charleston, SC in 2001 and is a 2005 graduate of the College of Charleston with degrees in jazz piano performance and composition. Gerald traveled to Copenhagen for a six week stint in 2006 and played in the Copenhagen Jazz Festival with Toca Toca, a Brazilian inspired ensemble. He is a founding member of the group Morimoto, as well as the group Faces for Radio, in addition to being a members of the house bands at the Charleston Grill and Mercado restaurants. He is featured on many stylistically diverse albums ranging from country and rock to jazz and samba.
Gino Castillo (percussion, vocals) has played professionally in Ecuador, Cuba, New York City, and for the last few years in Charleston, SC. Sponsored by Pearl Drums, he has appeared in concert and recorded with a long list of international artists, many of which can be heard on his latest CD, Ya Llegue.In Charleston, he performs with his own group, The Gino Castillo Quartet. He also appears with the Charleston Jazz Orchestra and a number of other local groups.
John E. Cobb (Bari
Sax), a native of Charleston from the small town of Parkers Ferry. He
lived in New York City for 9 years. While in NYC, he attended college
and performed with several local Latin Combos, Show bands, and Big bands
in tri-state area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut). His instrument
of preference is the Baritone Saxophone. Currently, he is a school
administrator and free lance musician with many of the local jazz and
party bands. He is considered to be both an accomplished musician and
educator. His tone is described by many as smooth and warm. He performs
weekly at the High Cotton Restaurant with the James Slater Trio. Music
is a passion and education is a second career. In addition, John Cobb
performs with the Charleston Jazz Orchestra during their regular season.
