13 sizzling new pieces – from pop to jazz to reggae; from laid back vocals to upbeat instrumentals, this is an exploration of many styles, but has the recognisable signature of Caroline. This is the 3rd solo album on CD & mp3 by English musician Caroline Guirr. The jazz, rock and latin tinged pop songs portray a world of random thoughts on subjects as diverse as supermarket trolleys, chocolate and cheese, Geordie and more serious musings on self-reflection and loss. Rich punchy pop melodies and memorable hooks combine with an underlying sophistication of ‘jazz chops’ harmonies, textures and performance. The subtle nuances in the instrumental playing are as important as the lyrical content, resulting in an intriguing, beguiling and enervating collection of pieces. “Crafted with care, these songs allow space and lightness to pervade intricate compositions.” “Jazzy, funny and funky; bluesy, poppy and cool.” “The songs are written, recorded, produced, engineered and largely performed by a female musician whose many influences trickle down through the songs.” Caroline sings, plays all the keyboard parts, the trumpet, the bass guitar, rap and percussion on the CD. The fabulous virtuoso guitar playing of Tom Cantwell is featured – from jangly acoustic to overdriven power playing. Andrew Long contributes a vibrant musical drum accompaniment. Ian Ainsley – who has a voice laden with rich bubbly, rocky yet gentle depth – adds the icing on the cake to the tracks where needed. Track info: (Sleeve notes and lyrics included with the album.) The songs were inspired by a variety of sources –‘The Life and Death of a Trolley’ is both sad and full of pathos as well as being humorous in equal measure. It’s spiky synth playing contrasts with the accessible chordal structure. See the video on YouTube. ‘Catching or Throwing’ is the most serious song on the album, it’s Eastern sounding melodies and harmonies illustrating the cryptic painful nature of the lyrics, which depict parallel kinds of loss and reflection. ‘Musical Land’ was inspired by using a hilarious web lyric generator, leading to a dreamy new age sparkling composition of lush clarity. The piano sings out over the jazzy bass line. The vocals have a softness to them, and make use of a high register, not heard that often in today’s releases. ‘Wisdom’ features strong vocals and an unforgettable chorus. The vocals soar emphatically and persuasively yet elegantly above the piano, bass and guitar which are vibrant and intimate in character. ‘Fromage’ is a tasty tongue in cheek bilingual offering about delicious foods, delivered with a strong Latin feel and lively band. Listen out for the sounds of cutlery and clapping. ‘Geordie Sangria’ – another delectable song about the senses, features stunning flamenco work on guitar along with exotic Mexican style trumpet playing. It will have you reaching for the sangria jug. ‘At the Shore’ is a lovely gentle, dreamy, wistful piece, which conveys the essence of a sea landscape and self reflecting introspective mood of someone reaching out to another. It has a beautiful piano solo, full of sparkling understatement. “I’m Sorry’ is an intriguing hybrid of reggae rhythms, brass section, English rap and strong chorus, telling the story of a misguided sense of humour. The guitar provides playful motifs over the juicy brass and organ sound. ‘Love lives at night’ is a fabulous chilled out song with a gentle pop/jazz feel, with some cool Miles Davis style muted trumpet. The chorus is a surprising uplift full of rich vocal harmony. This song is a lesson in the use of dynamics. ‘Timetable’ is a true story based around the misery of trying to make a rubik’s cube of a college timetable tenable. It is set in a laid back funky ballad setting with raunchy guitar and rocky bluesy piano reminiscent of John Bundrick. ‘Wisdom – instrumental’ explores Caroline’s deep love of jazz, mixed with smooth and Latin rock sounds. The solos are here to use up all of the notes that couldn’t be used elsewhere, resulting in an energy and feeling that has to be listened to over and over. ‘Trolley - instrumental’ is a similar epic with big chorus, overdriven guitar and the bouncy melodic style on bass guitar that is certainly individual and recognisable. ‘Yeast meets vest’ is a frenetic Eastern/Asian influenced piece in 7/8 featuring the bass and unusual vocal and sitar sounds. It will bring out the belly dancer in you! Influences have included John Martyn, Steely Dan, Genesis, The Isley Brothers, Air, Stevie Wonder, Jaco Pastorius, Santana, Chick Corea, Dianne Reeves, Free, Shakatak, Allman Brothers, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nitin Sawhney, Oscar Peterson, Joe Sample, George Benson, Carole King, Debussy, Sibelius and many more.