Charles Ruggiero was destined to be a drummer. Charles Ruggiero was the son of Vinnie Ruggiero, a world-renowned jazz musician. He grew up surrounded by jazz musicians throughout his childhood. Music was always around. With musicians such as Philly Joe Jones and Freddie Hubbard coming to play and spend time, it was only a matter time before Charles caught the jazz bug. He asked his father to play the “bang bangs”. Charles began drumming as a teenager and continued to play wherever he could. When he began to be hired by local high schools, colleges, professional theatre groups, and local bands in western N.Y., he knew he had something special. He was selected for the New York State All State Jazz Ensemble after a convincing audition. Every music college in America responded to his call. Charles accepted a full scholarship from Manhattan School of Music and the opportunity to study with Justin DiCioccio. Charles’ time at MSM was invaluable. In the early 1990’s, New York City was buzzing with jazz. He was collaborating with contemporary jazz stars like Joshua Redman, Peter Bernstein and Ryan Kisor. Charles was offered a gig with Chuck Mangione in 1993. He would tour with Mangione for the next four years. Charles left Mangione’s group to concentrate on small-group jazz and began playing in other projects. He was often found playing the drums at Smoke, Smalls, The Blue Note, Cleopatra’s Needle, et cetera, with Eric Alexander, Phil Harper, Frank Wess, Wayne Escoffery, Jeremy Manasia, Grant Stewart, Joel Frahm, Jane Monheit, Jeremy Pelt, Spike Wilner… the list goes on… and on… Abby Gennet, a former MTV/VH1 veejay, asked Ruggiero if he would play on a demo recording a few songs. SLUNT was formed. The band rose quickly. They were already on tour with Marilyn Manson in their second year. They toured with Motorhead, Drowning pool, and Paul Stanley (KISS) in the following years. Two albums were also released by Reposession Records. After SLUNT Charles was placed on Ozzy Ozbourne’s Ozzfest tour, he replaced drummer Matt Sorum (Guns and Roses/Velvet Revolver), and became a member Circus Diablo – a group that also included Billy Duffy (The Cult), Brett Scallions(FUEL), Billy Morrison (Billy Idol), Ricky Warwick and Ricky Warwick. Ruggiero moved to Los Angeles in 2008. Ruggiero immediately started working as a session drummer for recording sessions, creating pop and rock records. He returned to jazz by recording and playing live with some of the best musicians in LA. While he was out west, Charles made music with Eric Reed, Bob Sheppard and John Campbell as well as Tim Ries and Melissa Morgan. Chad Sexton, a drummer at 311 in North Hollywood, also taught him drums. Charles returned to NYC in the fall 2013 and began working with Molly Ringwald, an 80’s icon. from www.ruggierodrums.com
