Jazz Articles

like 149

Bill Carrothers / Wendy Lewis: The Language Of Crows

by Jim Santella
November 1, 1999

Wendy Lewis and Bill Carrothers are outcats. By combining impressionism with cynical humor, they’ve come up with a cerebral session that’s both pleasant in its linear form and adventurous through its added dimensions. A jazz pianist from Minneapolis, Carrothers likes to vary from expected mainstream harmony and dress up his accompaniment with dense atypical chords. His solo romps swing with a light-hearted sense that can only come through a love for the music. Lewis’ lyrics are articulated well enough and ...

like 123

Bill Carrothers: The Blues And The Greys

by Jim Santella
April 1, 1998

Inspired by the PBS television series about the U.S. Civil War, this solo album by pianist Bill Carrothers' presents American patriotic tunes in a somber straightforward manner. Adding his personal thoughts on the war's meaning to society, the pianist embellishes melodies here, deepens harmonies there, and provides textural changes appropriate to his interpretation.

While most of the selections are offered in a traditional straightforward manner, several receive obvious changes. The familiar “Dixie" gets a heartfelt dissonant harmonic restructuring that evokes ...

like 88

A Band In All Hope: Ye Who Enter Here

by Jim Santella
April 1, 1998

This modern mainstream band is a trio: Anton Denner plays alto saxophone and flute, Bill Carrothers is the pianist, and Bill Stewart provides the drum and percussion flavorings. Carrothers is an experienced composer, as well, contributing several pieces to this session. Stewart provides ample percussive variety, blending well with the other two band members, and contributing several of his own compositions. He and Carrothers teamed up in `95 and `97 for Stewart's well-regarded albums Snide Remarks and Telepathy. Denner's light ...