​MISE-EN x ARETE 2026 Concert Series: “Environs”

Charles Waters, composer and saxophonist

Versatile composer and saxophonist Charles Waters has been a mainstay of the New York music scene for several decades. He has led numerous groups, such as the Charles Waters Trio & Quartet. Recordings and performances with Gold Sparkle Trio, Band & Brass Band, Duo (with Andrew Barker), Nuzion Big Band, William Parker (Little Huey Orchestra), Matthew Shipp, Ken Vandermark, Thurston Moore, Sabir Mateen, Daniel Carter, Steven Dalachinsky (poet), Adam Rudolph, Butch Morris, Chris McIntyre, Nate McBride, Mick Rossi, Eugene Chadbourne, Andrew Bemkey, Matt Lavelle. Founding member of renowned avant jazz collective Gold Sparkle of Brooklyn, who have performed across the US and Europe. 

Commissions and performances by SEM Ensemble, Anti-Social Music, TILT Brass Band, MATA Festival Orchestra, People’s String Quartet, Williamsburg Winds.

Television and Film music includes works for “Iconoclasts” on the Sundance Channel, The New Actor’s Workshop (Present Elevation Company), WC#4 (Waters concert documentary).

Playing and/or producing credits in rock/electronica Stars like Fleas, Oneida, The Silent League, Akron/Family.