Local Exposure: David Carr • The Steve Rudolph Trio

Local Exposure
CD Reviews of Area Musicians

David Carr
Ambrosia
Self-Released

by Karen L. Wisotkey

David Carr From the first note, Ambrosia has a soothing effect. The backdrop of light, airy flute behind mellow acoustic guitar softens each cut of Ambrosia. This unique blend of folk and blues is complemented by lyrics that give a very simplistic and nostalgic portrayal of some very serious social issues, including homelessness, racism, and life and death.

David Carr’s song writing style is like that of a storyteller — encouraging the listener to envision the scenery and actions that are prevalent in his approach to exploring social issues. Ambrosia has a local flavor — often mentioning local landmarks in the story-telling lyrics as in “Remember This Day” and “Miles of Smiles.”

In a society where African-American musicians lean toward hip-hop, rap, and gospel styles, it is refreshing to hear Carr bringing the African-American voice into acoustic music. By recording Ambrosia, Carr has released his music to a broader public than just those who may happen to hear him live in a coffeehouse or outdoor setting.

Though Ambrosia contains only seven cuts, Carr has covered a wide range of topics with his lyrics. Whether you’re looking for background music to relax by or you’re interested in lyrics that have some real substance, give Ambrosia a listen. It’s a fine taste of what our non-mainstream musical artists have to offer.

The Steve Rudolph Trio
Christmas With The Steve Rudolph Trio
R&L Records

by J.A. Jandecka

As sublime as ever, Steve Rudolph, Harrisburg’s leading jazz pianist, has recorded a holiday CD that is sure to delight the masses.

Containing such favorites as “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “What Child Is This,” and “Let It Snow,” Christmas With The Steve Rudolph Trio demonstrates the exceptional technique that has drawn raving reviews from critics. The selections are cornucopias of improvisational bliss. Rudolph, bassist Paul Langosch, and drummer Matt Wilson take these opportunities to prove their talents and creativity, managing to maintain a fantastic unity throughout. While the trio often seems to stray greatly from the conventional forms and sounds of the pieces (many snippets would not be recognized as the familiar carols), this unity does continually breathe hints of identity into the selections.

Perhaps the most impressive of Rudolph’s talents is his smoothness. Regardless of the changes in tempo or dynamics, he maintains fluidity and keeps his playing soft and elegant. Langosch and Wilson follow suit; the three together create music that is far from unexciting but has a feeling of ease to it. Each piece benefits from Rudolph’s cascading piano passages and Langosch’s light web of bass that draws the trio together.

Rudolph released Christmas With The Steve Rudolph Trio on R&L Records, a label that he and Langosch own. The trio has recorded two other albums, Everything I Love and Crabtree & Evelyn — Music for Romance, which is distributed exclusively at Crabtree & Evelyn stores nationwide.