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Photo by
Jerry
Gallagher
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 B orn in Waltham, Massachusetts with a musical heritage on both sides of the family, George's Father composed music and played both piano and reed instruments. George's English Grandmother was also an accomplished vocalist.
Quite naturally, George Carroll followed the genetic musical path from an early age working his way up to a journeyman musician, jazz pianist, vocalist and composer. George studied three years at The Berklee College of Music (Piano & Harmony) and attended The Phil Saltman Studios in Boston for four years studying voice, bel canto style. He also has a Bachelor's degree from Salem State College, Massachusetts in music and journalism.
During George´s musical journey he has had many career highlights & experiences: "I met Tony Bennett at the Music Circus in Cohasset, Massachusetts in 1960. Bennett told me ´Love what you´re doing & never compromise your music.´" George Carroll never has, and still holds true to that philosophy.
Since moving from Boston to his new digs in Florida, George has found he's involved in a very active musical career. "I find this all very delightful, in that the music is 'Fresh' once again. Working with such prodigious musicians as Richard Drexler - Bass, and John Moore - Drums, I find music to be a continuous & beautiful experience, the way it should be." Before moving to Florida, George was singing with the Big and Phat Big Band at the House of Blues (1995), Cambridge, Massachusetts for the college crowd (Harvard University students), a very discerning audience. "College students are very much into jazz, swing, good music and American composers. This was another highlight of my career."
George started out fronting his own big band for several years, and worked with his jazz duo, trio, quartets and quintets. Carroll tours, lectures and gives jazz composing clinics at colleges, universities, high schools and music stores.
Currently, as Musical Director of the film Samantha, George has written the theme song Samantha, Sarasota Sunset, and several musical beds to be used in the film. Samantha, a project of Producer/Director Robert Dunham for Suncoast Yuma Productions, Sarasota, FL, is scheduled for release at the Sarasota Film Festival in spring of 1999, and later at the Sundance, San Francisco and Hamptons Film Festivals. With George's lyricist, Kathi Warren, George's new CD Mesmerized is scheduled for release on April 27, 1999. Mesmerized will include the motion picture theme song, Samantha and will feature George's new original Life is Good, with cameos by world-renowned alto sax great Greg Abate, and several big band arrangements of George's compositions by world famous jazz arranger-composer,
Frank Mantooth.
"So," George says, "Life really is good."
Press/Critics page
"Jazz, Dressed like a Lady. Soft, refined, flirtatious."
- Gil Johnson - Charlotte Jazz Festival
"Right up to the moment."
- Phil Colpas - Pelican Press
"...Evokes comparisons to Tony Bennett and Jack Jones."
- Steve Heisler - Sarasota Herald
"George Carroll! You helped make it all happen."
- Jody Wren, Dir. Concert Series, City of Tampa
"Your big band made me look like a million bucks."
- Brett Buyer, President of Dynamic Concepts at the Ritz Carlton, Naples, FL
Press & Television Coverage
June 2, 1998 Sarasota Herald - Story by Steve Heisler
George w. Carroll, The Composer
June 9, 1998 pelican press - Story by Phil Colpas
George w. Carroll: Composer
July,1998 Get Up & Go - Florida based monthly Magazine.
The Composer - Story by Steve Heisler
August 13, 1998 SNN-Channel 6 (Sarasota Herald Tribune's TV station) Interview at Fandango's Jazz Club, Siesta Key, FL
George w. Carroll, The Composer - Musical venue with George W. Carroll
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