Guitar plus organ plus drums equals a great jazz album from a talented group of jazz musicians.
The Tom Carroll Trio’s first CD release, City Lights, does the trick to please anyone who claims to be a fan of music. Through every note on the album, the trio draws listeners in, wondering what is in store next.
The trio, which started in Columbus in the early 1980s, has been dazzling audiences for years. Now for the first time, their sound has been captured on CD.
Several of the tracks on City Lights were recorded in 1985 and released on cassette. The rest of the album was recorded in 1991 and is being released here for the first time.
The trio consists of Denison’s own Tom Carroll on guitar, organist Hank Marr, and drummer Jim Rupp. Special guest Gary Carney adds to the mix with some brilliant trombone playing.
Throughout the album, the trio is able to find the perfect balance between guitar, organ, and drums, which leaves plenty of open space for everyone to solo. It is a combination that can’t fail.
The album’s first track, the Carroll-penned “Blues For Hank,” sets the mood for the entire album. From the track’s intro guitar riffs through the high-energy solos, the talent of the musicians is truly exhibited.
The album’s third track, Gershwin’s “I Got Rythm,” brings a nice surprise. The trio is joined by trombone player Gary Carney.
As the album’s closing track, “City Lights,” concludes, the listener should be left begging for more.
The entire album has a very real sound in that it feels as though you are listening to the trio in a club setting, which is perfect for this genre of music.
In all, there is not a bad note on the album. I would find it hard to believe that anyone could listen to this album and not get into the groove.
The songs selected allow the musicians to prove their musical talent time and time again.
The band can be seen gigging throughout the Columbus area under a new name, Organic Chemistry.
City Lights is currently available in The BIG REaD Bookstore.
Grade: A-
