Jazz Articles about Carl Orr

Carl Orr: Absolute Freedom

by Marco Anderson
August 27, 2006

Absolute Freedom, Australian guitarist Carl Orr's fifth self-produced album, is a classic funky jazz-rock tour de force. The recording is reminiscent of many of the finest funky jazzthetics of the mid-'70s, also showcasing the guitarist's inimitable mix of fiery guitar licks and compositional flair. The retro sound fits that decade's mark as the zenith of this genre, and that feeling is further strengthened by the presence of no less than king of the fusion tub thumpers, Billy Cobham, on two ...

Carl Orr: Deep Down

by Marco Anderson
August 21, 2006

This recording is a radical departure from guitarist Carl Orr's previous high-voltage fusion output, and on first listening one can be lulled into a false sense of smoothness brought on by commercial aspirations. However, as the title suggests, there is much more to Deep Down than a cursory scratching at the surface would suggest.

The sound is warm and familiar, and anyone with a penchant for Blue Note organ trios with Grant Green or early George Benson will be served ...

Carl Orr: Deep Down

by Walter Kolosky
August 20, 2006

Deep Down is quite a departure for jazz, rock and funk fusioneer Carl Orr. The guitarist has been known to use some pretty heavy-duty distortion and effects over the years, in Billy Cobham's band and his own groups. This outing is an effort to make more with less. Orr eliminates most of the distortion and treble and goes for a purer sound in service of bossa nova, organ-based jazz and some solo pieces. Recorded over the space ...

Carl Orr: Absolute Freedom

by Walter Kolosky
January 14, 2005

Recently those of us who write for All About Jazz were asked to submit our top ten choices for the best CD of 2004. Unfortunately for Carl Orr, I did not get to hear his 2004 release until 2005.

English guitarist Orr, who spent his formative years in Australia, has been around for some time--but his claim to fame up to this point has been a four-year stint with Billy Cobham's band. (Cobham makes two impressive appearances ...