Charles Tolliver

A powerhouse trumpeter, composer, and bandleader, Charles Tolliver emerged in the mid-1960s as a vital voice in the post-bop era, making his mark in seminal groups led by Jackie McLean and Max Roach. In 1969, he formed the dynamic quartet Music Inc. with pianist Stanley Cowell, an ensemble that would expand into a formidable big band. A trailblazer for artistic independence, Tolliver co-founded the influential, artist-run Strata-East record label in 1971, creating an essential platform for the era's most innovative jazz musicians. His playing is characterized by a commanding tone, technical virtuosity, and a relentless, exploratory energy.