Charlie Souza
Biography
Charlie Souza is the original “Tom Petty” bass player. He is also a vocalist, a writer and a producer. Charlie’s music has been released on Columbia Records, Atlantic Records (Los Angeles), Polydor, Fantasy, Laurie Records (New York), Phoenix Records (Europe) and now on his own Independent label, Souzaphone Records.
Charlie has performed, collaborated and recorded with Tom Petty, Bill Champlin (Chicago), Joe Walsh, Jim Horn, Greg Allman, Cactus, Santana keyboardist Leon Patillo, The Darrell Mansfield Christian Band, White Witch & Gale Force (produced by Wayne Henderson of The Jazz Crusaders). As a writer and bassist for Atlantic Records metal rock group Fortress — a cult favorite in Europe — he also played bass on the protest song CD for Native American actor Floyd "Red Crow" Westerman.
In the new millennium C.S. teamed up with Tropics and Fortress guitarist Eric Turner and former Bill Lordan (drummer for Robin Trower and Sly & The Family Stone), and with saxophonist Adrian Tapia (of Boz Scaggs fame) to produce “Live Your Dream” and "9 Ball in the Corner Pocket!"
In 2006 Charlie performed with Gene Cornish of the Rascals and Bill Pascali, formerly of the Vanilla Fudge, and is currently proudly touring with The New Rascals with Dino Danelli, Gene Cornish and Bill Pascali.
Charlie also has a new book, a biography (published by Florida Books & Videos - Orlando, Florida) entitled Live Your Dream!
Charlie’s latest release shows he’s not only living his dream, he's “Livin’ in Paradise.”
Albums
Selected Artwork
Charlie Souza’s Discography
New Rascals Live ~ DVD & CD 2007
Fortress II ~ The Treasure Found 2007
Livin’ in Paradise ~ 2007
The New Tropics ~ Live DVD 2005
The Compilation CD ~ 2005 (ASCAP)
Fortress ~ Hands in The Till (Atlantic Records 1981 / Souzaphone Records 2003 / Rhino Records 2007)
Bacchus ~ Revisited (Souzaphone Records 2003)
The Tropics ~ Then and Now (Re-released on Souzaphone Records, 2003 in rememberance of Buddy Pendergrass)
The Tropics Anthology 1965-1969 (Souzaphone 2003)
The Rose ~ Unplugged 2002 (ASCAP)
Motormania II ~ 2001
9 Ball in the Corner Pocket ! ~ 2001
Live Your Dream! ~ 2001 (Souzaphone Records Publishing Company - ASCAP)
Live Your Dream! ~ 2000 The Tropics "Still Get a Chill" First Edition 1999
Studio musician: Leon Patill ~ Don't Give In Myrrh (Records 1982)
Studio musician: Darrel Mansfield ~ Get Ready (1981 Gospel Album)
Studio musician: Chi Coltrane ~ Silk and Steel (AVI Records 1980)
Studio musician: Torill - AVI Records
Floyd "Red Crow" Westerman ~ Custer Died for Our Sins" 1978
Gale Force ~ Gale Force II (Fantasy Records 1977)
Gale Force ~ Blown Away! (Fantasy Records 1976)
Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers (Shelter Records 1975)
White Witch ~ A Spiritual Greeting (Capricorn Records ~ 1974)
The Tropics ~ Talkin' Bout Love ~ 1968
The Tropics ~ Groovy Christmas ~ 1968
The Tropics ~ Time (Take The Time) ~ 1967
The Tropics ~ Black Jacket Woman ~ 1966
The Tropics ~ It’s You I’ll Miss ~ 1966
The Tropics ~ I Want More ~ ~ 1965
Reviews
“A real stroke of genius! I was first introduced to Charlie Souza via Bill Lordan (Robin Trower Band). He collaborated with Bill and Eric Turner on some songs and I wanted to hear more. ‘Livin' In Paradise’ is a wonderful album with a diversity of styles. Jazzed up Rock and Roll in ‘Summertime Blues’- some mean sax. Latin influenced blues (Javier Vargas/Santana) on track 4. ‘Time.’ Amazing song. Funky rock. If you like your music happy then this album is a must as Charlie takes you on a ‘Trip Thru Time’ to a ‘Simple Life.’ Mr. Souza is very lucky to be surrounded by some great musicians too. The guitar and brass sound so pure. Great production skills. A real stroke of genius is to finish the CD with a classic Lennon/McCartney track, ‘All You Need Is Love.’ Dare I say it?… Equals the original version. ‘Livin' In Paradise’ is a marvelous blend of memorable tunes, great stories and observations, served up in an appetizing array of styles. I'll be surprised if I can find a more enjoyable listen this year.”
Ray Martin, Northern Ireland
“…’9 Ball’ & ‘Live Your Dream’ has that quality and has the edge to take what was good back then and bring it up to date. It’s Rock and Roll I like and search hard for today that I liked yesterday and has the sound of rock and roll for tomorrow! I love rock and roll, and, Charlie, your music is Rock 'n' Roll. I'd like to add that the production quality is excellent and the musicians are outstanding in every way!”
LouRicca, President - Backstage Pass Productions - Zurich, Switzerland
“Really great! Every time I listen to Charlie Souza`s music, I always want more, never can wait for the next CD to turn up in my mailbox. Almost like being addicted!!!” ~
Kjell Andreassen RADIO HOLSTEBRO - Holstebro Denmark
“9 BALLS TO THE WALL ROCK 'n ROLL... Souza deserves to be on every station's playlist. Joyful, soulful music...enjoy!...”
David Salidor
“…Oh what joy! It's like a breath of fresh air blowing through the house!”
Ray & Barb O'Hare
Blues Radio UK ~ Blues With A Smile Records ~ Warrington Blues Club & Festival
Links
Charlie Souza's new book Live Your Dream
Purchase Charlie Souza's New Tropics: Livin’ in Paradise at CDBaby
Charlie Souza on AirPlay Direct
The Charlie Souza Band on AirPlay Direct
Congratulations to Charlie Souza!
The Tropics and Fortress are both Florida Hall of Fame Nominees!
