Born and raised in Brooklyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, Melanie Charles grew up in a one-bedroom apartment in the projects before her family of 10 moved to Bushwick. From those humble beginnings, she found her way to jazz, studying at LaGuardia High School and later at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. Her path was unconventional, but she honed her craft and developed a penchant for blending jazz fundamentals with innovative beat-making, reimagining classics through a modern, exploratory lens.

1. “Without Us”

Her breakthrough came with her independent release The Girl With The Green Shoes — a criminally underrated album where she wove together her voice, flute, sampler and a variety of effects to create a deep, immersive, lo-fi quasi-mixtape experience. 

2. “Detour Ahead”

The Girl With The Green Shoes caught the attention of Verve Records, leading to her signing with the label. As she began work on her debut, however, tragedy struck: Breonna Taylor, a Black medical worker, was shot and killed by police in Louisville, Ky. during a botched raid on her apartment, touching off wide-scale demonstrations that erupted that year over policing and racial injustice in America.

Taylor’s death served as a harsh reminder of the fragility of Black women’s lives in America. Charles channeled her pain and passion into her music, titling her Verve debut, Y’all Don’t (Really) Care About Black Women. It was a bold statement that made Verve hesitate, but she stood firm, and they ultimately backed her.

3. “Jazz (Ain’t Nothing But Soul)”

In addition to making a poignant statement on racial injustice, Charles also pays tribute to the underappreciated Black women in jazz, reimagining the works of legends like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Betty Carter while making a powerful statement about the ongoing struggle for recognition and respect.

This album became a manifesto for fair treatment and recognition of Black women in the music industry. It didn’t just resonate within the jazz community — it sparked a movement. Her fearless approach earned her collaborations with legends like Wynton Marsalis and solidified her place in the new and emergent jazz vanguard.

4. “I Need Time”

Her innovative style, combined with her commitment to activism, places her among a new generation of artists, such as Theo Croker, Ego Ella May, Kamasi Washington and various others who are redefining jazz. She’s not just making music — she’s making a statement, whether it’s through her work with her podcast project “Make Jazz Trill Again,” or through her electrifying performances. Melanie’s music is a call to empower and uplift Black women, celebrating their resilience and creativity.

5. “Damballa Wedo”

Melanie Charles will be performing at this year’s Detroit Jazz Fest on Saturday, Aug. 31 from 7:15-8:30 p.m. on the Carhartt Stage.

On this episode of Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, hear artists performing at the 2024 Detroit Jazz Festival during Labor Day weekend.

Plus, Bilal Oliver’s first new work since 2016, Allen Stone and Dawes with new music forthcoming, and birthday wishes to Elvis Costello, who turned 70 last Sunday.

See the playlist below and listen to the episode for two weeks after it airs using the media player above.

Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music Playlist for Aug. 24, 2024

• “County Seat” – Joshua Redman & The Bad Plus
• “Lesson” – Joy Clark
• “Hollywood” – Toro y Moi with Benjamin Gibbard
• “Here To Forever” – Death Cab For Cutie
• “Let’s Misbehave” – Elvis Costello (happy 70th!)
• “Respect” – Aretha Franklin (the song for Maryland)
• “What I Like About You” – The Romantics (the song for S. Dakota)
• “September” – Earth Wind & Fire (the song for Colorado)
• “Giant Drums Song” – OOPAPADA
• “Somebody New” – Jana Mila
• “Old Tape” – Lucius
• “Hold On I’m Coming” – Sam & Dave
  
• “Midnight Train To Georgia” -Jason Isbell w/Brittney Spencer
• “Magnificent Hurt” – Elvis Costello (happy 70th!)
  
• “Giving Up” – Michigander
• “Sunshine” – Bilal
• “Can’t Explain This Love” – Allen Stone
• “Money On 7” – Amy Helm
• “Signed Sealed Delivered” – Stevie Wonder (the song for Connecticut)
• “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye & Tammy Terrell (the song for North Mariana Islands)
• “Lose Yourself” – Eminem (the song for Michigan)
• “Thrift Store Jewelry” – The Bad Plus
  
• “Nobody’s Soldier” – Hozier
• “Remember” – Tank & The Bangas ft. Samara Joy and Robert Glasper
  
• “Jackson & Monk & Rowe” – Elvis Costello (happy 70th!)

Listen to Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music every Saturday from 2-4 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET.