William Paterson jazz studies director honored with Grammy nod

WAYNE — No stranger to success, a distinguished pianist and director of William Paterson University's jazz studies program is in the running for his second Grammy Award this month.

Bill Charlap and his longtime bandmates, bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington, comprise the Bill Charlap Trio. The group's latest album, “Uptown, Downtown," received a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Instrumental Album.

“We’ve been musical partners for 20 years now and seen a lot of the road together," Charlap said, lauding his bandmates as master musicians. "We are seeking a lot of the same paradigms and have certain things at the essence of music, like trusting each other's time and listening."

Charlap, 51, of West Orange, won the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for his collaboration with Tony Bennett, titled “The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern.” His wife, pianist Renee Rosnes, also appeared on the record.

CRIME: Men brought weapons to William Paterson University, authorities charge

GREAT FALLS FAIR: William Paterson program takes students back in history

PHOTOS: The Grammy Museum Experience Prudential Center opens in Newark

A New York City native, Charlap was born into a musical family as the son of late Broadway composer Mark "Moose" Charlap and singer Sandy Stewart, who shared stages with Bing Crosby and Perry Como.

Playing alongside jazz legends like Gerry Mulligan, Benny Carter, Bill Wood, David "Fathead" Newman and Bill Tipton provided Charlap with a series of what he called "uplifting" experiences that he hopes to pass on to future generations of musicians.

“All the great people I learned from were generous and thought it was important to pay it forward," said Charlap, who became William Paterson's jazz studies head in 2015. With students, he said, "I just try to share as much as I can and give them as firm a grounding in the tools of music-making as possible."

In addition to keeping him "fresh," the seasoned player said, working with the program's students is extremely gratifying.

"There's a ton of great talent at WPU, and the faculty has the best educators and musicians in the world," he said. "So when you see the light go on for a student, it makes it that much more worthwhile."

Charlap previously received Grammy nominations for his recordings “Somewhere: The Songs of Leonard Bernstein” in 2004 and “The Bill Charlap Trio: Live at the Village Vanguard" in 2007.

"I don't take it for granted, and everybody appreciates being recognized," Charlap said. "But at the same time, I'm simply humbled by it, because the others in the category this year — and in other years — are all so great. So, at least for me, it doesn't matter if you win it or not. We're all winners."

The 60th Annual Grammy Awards will be Jan. 28 at Madison Square Garden.

Email: Gicas@northjersey.com