Charlie Duran

I’ve searched for the right mouthpiece my entire life. When I tried Theo’s mouthpieces I felt complete. I can literally slap my Theo Wanne mouthpiece on any horn and make it sound how I want it!

Charlie Duran was born January 18th 1981 in Burbank, California, was raised in Southern California and is from a Latino heritage. Charlie’s passion for music began at a very young age. His first instrument was the violin at the age of 13, studying classical music in 7th grade. Shortly after, Charlie choose to play the Saxophone. He joined his High School’s jazz ensemble for 4 years and was also a part of the marching band. After High School he went on to Santa Monica College and joined the jazz ensemble as well. As the years went by Charlie’s love for music grew stronger and decided he wanted to make a career out of his music. In 2000 he traveled and toured with ELA band in South America and the U.S. being the main side sax player for a well known established band from Los Angeles. They recorded 7 albums in which Charlie was featured. Charlie was then a part of a well known Christian band from Guatemala called Miel San Marcos in which he toured the U.S. as well as Mexico, Central America and South America and was part of 1 album recording. Charlie was also a part of many other Christian artists’ recordings. Charlie then went on to record his first album entitled “City of Angels” which included Matt Godina, Nick Cedillo, David Valderrama and Sheldon Reynolds – a former Earth Wind and Fire band member, as producer. Charlie was able to work with one of the greatest music influencers of our times and together with Godina and Reynolds they were able to write and produce the hit single entitled “Momentum.” “Momentum” topped out on the smooth jazz charts and was a sensational hit amongst fans world wide. The title “Momentum” falls nothing short of it’s name having catapulted momentum for Charlie’s first album that was released on iTunes, CDBaby, Amazon Music and Spotify. Being an independent artist, Charlie had the help of PledgeMusic.com and was able to reach the goal of over 100% of CD pre-sales within the first month. Smooth sax lines echoing today’s and yesterday’s contemporary sax artists and creating melodic musical wonders punctuated by groovy bass lines, funky guitar licks and driving rhythms, Charlie brought this single and album out just in time. Saxophonist Charlie Duran is on the fast track of becoming one of L.A’s prestigious musicians. His styles of music are of that of melodic catchy melodies that will certainly keep you coming back for more. One of Charlie’s greatest influences is David Sanborn and music mentor Michael Lington. Both musically and business styles are his strong modo in keeping the instrumental music market alive and thriving. His musical approach derives from many jazz and pop angles along with the beautiful and soulful approach when executing his instrument. Being a Theo Wanne mouthpieces active artist endorser, Charlie is able to keep up with the ever demanding musical changes in the industry and is able to have his own voice on his instrument that makes him stand out from the rest. His unique sound and tone on his saxophone is acclaimed by many and is his tool of work when it’s time for any performance or studio recording. Charlie is a visionary and is always looking for ways on how to improve the musical demands in his genre. He stretches out far and wide to be able to achieve his dreams and is sure to be on the right lane for success. Keep you calendars cleared because Charlie will be touching down in your city soon!