Chizmo Charles

"Chizmo" Charles Anderson is "Pittsburgh’s Senior Statesman of the Blues" having sung to Pittsburgh audiences for over 50 years. He is highly respected among the musicians of Pittsburgh. JulieToye of the Herald Standard interviewed Pittsburgh musicians in an article about Chismo in 2005. Billy Price says "Chizmo is a great blues singer, a great entertainer, and most importantly, a nice man. He brings a big smile to my face every time I see him". Norman Nardini exclaims "Chiz is a Pittsburgh treasure. He is a fantastic, high level singer.

Chizmo sang for the first time 50 years ago performing "Everyday I Have The Blues," with the Eugene Betts' band. In the 1980's he was member of the Mystic Knights and sang lead on a few tunes on their 1991 CD "Live Blues Breakout." Chizmo made his solo recording debut at age 70 with the release of "Up All Night". Recorded at the Granati Brothers studio it features an all-star Pittsburgh line-up including guitarist Warren King, drummer Ron "Byrd" Foster, sax players Robbie Klein and Kenny Blake, slide guitarist James Dougherty, Jr. (who wrote half of the tunes), James Johnson at piano, and Mystic Night members Gil Snyder and drummer Tom Garner. With the CD reissued in 2003 Chizmo toured the Northest opening for B.C. King.

Chizmo’s recording of “Bed Bug Boogie” received acclaim from Bruce Iglauer of Alligator Records and Blues Revue magazine.

Scott Yanow of the All Music Guide wrote "His versatility and the pure joy in his singing are quite appealing. ...the singer is heard throughout in near-exuberant form. Why did it take Chizmo Charles so long to record?"