Aug 15, 2022
Charles Xavier
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Soundcloud: “Pandemic Piano Collage 2021”
Reverbnation
Spotify: “When I Think of You”
Apple Music: “When I Think of You”
Publicity: Profil (French), Let It Rock, Midwest Book Review, Music in Belgium, NBC Studio 10, Goldmine
Radio:
Mixed Media Client since: 2022
Charles Xavier and his faithful pooch hit the road with Ella Across America
As we speak, Charles Xavier, jazz musician, ambient instrumentalist, and composer, is making his way from San Francisco to his home in Massachusetts. But it’s not just any cross-country trip. Xavier will be accompanied by his Great Pyrenees dog Ella in a new-to-him RV, and he’ll be live-streaming his passage along the way. Xavier’s calling the show Ella Across America.
The 3,000-mile busking trek will feature impromptu performances, jam sessions, and interviews with local musicians. And while he hasn’t scheduled any appearances, per se, he’s counting on the comfort and open arms of those he encounters—a few acquaintances and many soon-to-be friends—for his musical opportunities.
At the same time, Xavier will also be promoting Pandemic Piano, his new recording, released on his label Happy Note Records, which he describes as an ambient/melodic/neo-jazz/New Age work. It’s a relaxing meditative work designed to foster mindfulness and peace. It’s the music he’ll be playing for folks on his cross-country trip and the perfect introduction to the artist’s work.
The Ella Across America tour also comes at a logical time in his life. Xavier’s marriage of 30 years ended (amicably), as did his patience with the Bay Area. He sold his house, bought the RV, and prepped Ella for the long journey back East. “It’s one man, one dog, and one piano,” says Xavier, who’ll look to play in National Parks, dog parks, yoga studios, meditation centers, and anywhere else he encounters that might include friendly receptive folks. “I didn’t want to plan too much,” he says. “I want to live in the moment. I want to be in the present. I’m looking for people willing to love what I do. I want them to know I’m a new person, a more loving person, interested in spreading love.”
So, Xavier’s story is fascinating indeed. He’s leaving a lucrative life in Silicon Valley as a composer/musician/post-production director (which included a four-year stint helping to develop the “Siri” product for Apple), as well as his marriage of three decades, and he’s setting out to cross the country. Xavier and Ella, alone together in a newish RV, tricked out with Wi-Fi to accommodate his intention to live-stream as much of his adventure as possible.
The show Ella Across America is a real-time docudrama: composer/musician/post-production director separates from wife after 30 years, leaves thriving Silicon Valley Suburbia San Bruno with his dog Ella, a spiritual breed of a dog Great Pyrenees, capturing cross country travels in a specially equipped RV van for streaming media.
“I’m really excited about all of this,” says Charles. “I’m happy to be living in the present. I’m happy to be with Ella. A year ago, I never would have predicted this tour would take place but it’s finally happening, and I’m interested in what Ella and I will encounter along the way.”

Listen to Pandemic Piano Collage by Charles Xavier: https://soundcloud.com/charlesxavier/pandemic-piano-collage-2021-charles-xavier
To purchase the new single: https://music.apple.com/us/album/when-i-think-of-you- single/1634449086
To purchase the album on bandcamp: https://charlesxavierjr.bandcamp.com/album/pandemic-piano
The album will also be available on Apple Music, Amazon Music, and other digital stores.
Mar 2, 2020

click above for full review
Sep 26, 2019

“A highly effective bebop player, who also has a way with Afro-Cuban rhythms, Bass proves his mettle … displaying wit, arranging chops, and impressive pianoism…The unusual mix of bebop and Afro-Cuban music … [is] complimented by three expert Cuban percussionists, often making the album surprising and invigorating.”
Jun 26, 2019
Happy start of Summer FRFFers,
We will be announcing our full slate of 24 confirmed GRASSY HILL EMERGING ARTIST SHOWCASE artists next week on our Facebook page.
Before that though, I just wanted to share some AMAZING MUSIC up and down the folk spectrum here in the northeast this coming weekend – it’s hard to pick just ONE! Even though we are up to our eyeballs in FRFF day and night right now, we are going to take in some of it.
First up on Fri June 21 is the incomparable, 2 time grammy-winning JIM LAUDERDALE with his band The Costellos (plus special guests), 8:30 PM at one of our fave listening rooms in the universe, the Towne Crier Cafe in Beacon NY. Jim rarely comes this way so this will indeed be a SPECIAL TREAT. Info at http://townecrier.com/
Jim Lauderdale
Then continuing in the AMERICANA vein, the Rockland-Bergen Music Fest will be held at Masonic Park in Tappan NY on Sat and Sun June 22 & 23, with headliners Steve Earle and John Prine as well as a full assortment of some of our region’s finest including Donna the Buffalo, James Maddock, Willie Nile, Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, Scott Wolfson & Other Heroes, Pete Mancini & lots more.
Steve Earle and John Prine
And Sat June 22, acclaimed duo The Milk Carton Kids bring heartfelt melodies & their full band to Caramoor’s 9th American Roots Music Fest at Caramoor Music & Arts Center in Katonah NY. Daytime artists begin at noon with the Bumper Jacksons, Rainbow Girls, Oliver the Crow, Damn Tall Buildings, Porch Stomp Revue & others. Info at www.caramoor.org/events/american-roots-music-festival-2019/
The Milk Carton Kids
Additionally, stay tuned to Mixed Media’s Facebook and Instagram pages for a special contest announcement on July 3 to win FREE tickets to Falcon Ridge Folk Festival… 45 days to GATES OPEN!!
Anne Saunders – Falcon Ridge Folk Festival
31 years of Folk Music & Dance in the Berkshires
Aug 2, 3 & 4, 2019- Pre-Fest Tastings Aug 1
Dodds Farm – 44 County Rd 7D, Hillsdale, NY
www.FalconRidgeFolk.com