About
The Good Time Charlie Band is a high-octane jump-swing powerhouse led by legendary St. Louis jazzman Brian Casserly—built for packed dance floors, swinging festivals, and audiences who like their jazz bold, joyful, and irresistibly danceable.
Inspired by the swagger and showmanship of Louis Armstrong, the playful fire of Louis Prima, and the rhythm-driven grit of Louis Jordan, The Good Time Charlie Band delivers a propulsive mix of jump blues, swing, early R&B, New Orleans-style jazz and original tunes—served up with humor, heart, and serious musical chops.
At the helm is Casserly—known worldwide as “Big B”—a dynamic vocalist and multi-instrumentalist celebrated for his one-handed trumpet style, magnetic stage presence, and decades of international touring. Joining him is pianist and vocalist Chase Garrett, whose driving rhythms and stylistic versatility help define the band's sound. Saxophonist Josh Baumgartner brings a rich, expressive voice and deep command of the swing and blues traditions, while bassist Jon Weiss provides the rock-solid foundation and pulse that keeps the ensemble moving effortlessly from groove to groove. Drummer Vinnie Young, one of St. Louis' hottest up and coming percussionists, rounds out the lineup with the energy, precision, and musicality that propel the band’s dynamic live performances. Together, these accomplished musicians form a road-tested ensemble that combines virtuosity, spontaneity, and an unmistakable sense of joy.
Meet the band
Brian John Casserly
Trumpet, Trombone, Vocals
Brian Casserly, who also performs under the stage name “Big B,” has been a professional musician since the age of 14. He is based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA and plays trumpet, trombone and saxophone and is also a vocalist. Known for his unique “one-handed” trumpet playing style, Casserly has played alongside many of the greats in the music business including Tony Bennett, Tex Beneke, Stan Kenton, Chuck Berry and even Tiny Tim.
Brian is a regular featured All-Star at jazz festivals; a session musician for commercials, professional recordings and musicals in the U.S. and Canada; and is the past musical director for the S.S. Admiral, a riverboat located on the St. Louis, Missouri riverfront.
In 2016 Brian won a regional Emmy Award for his work as Music Director on the national touring show, “Liquid Roads,” inspired by the music that traveled the Mississippi River from New Orleans, Louisiana to St. Louis, Missouri.
He has toured the U.S., Europe, Central and South America, Australia and New Zealand with his own jazz band, Cornet Chop Suey, playing concerts, festivals, and cruises. He recently returned from Basel, Switzerland where he played with Sugar Ray Norcia and the Bluetones featuring Duke Robillard.