Tim Carman & The Street 45s - “Live at State Park”
Known in the Boston area for his steady blues and jazz—infused drumming, Tim Carman wows the feel-good soul scene with his second music release titled “Live at State Park”. This album follows his debut self-titled album, “Tim Carman & The Street 45s” (2019). The out-of-this- world glossy funk of the ensemble’s 2019 debut garnered much attention, securing a nomination for ‘Jazz Act of the Year’ at the Boston Music Awards.
Carman is a known percussionist in his own rite. Making a name for himself on the East Coast playing with acts such as GA-20 and Julie Rhodes. There is an easy-listening quality to his style of playing, and it really shines through with the new album. There are notes of jazz-driven melodies, blues heavy guitar, heart-filling organ, and bumping electric bass. Regarded as straight up jam-music holding space between the ensemble and audience, “Live at State Park” presents itself in an organic and raw way. “Tim Carman & The Streets 45s” accomplished this rocking sound by recording directly into the soundboard at State Park in Cambridge, MA. The album has that live-music sheen to it, rounded out with mixing done by Dave Brophy in just two days. The epitome of ‘hot off the press’.
“Live at State Park” presents itself in an organic and raw way
There are notes of jazz-driven melodies, blues heavy guitar, heart-filling organ, and bumping electric bass.
Tim’s influences play through his syncopated drumming, honoring a number of this favorite 60’s and 70’s era artists. The album begins with “Root Down and Get It - Live”, a fun and upbeat invocation into the classic days of 1972 Jimmy Smith. The lead guitar on this track is smooth with Tim’s drumming framing the groove of the song. It tells the listener, “We will be going down musical memory lane. Buckle up.” There is this sense of lifting off from one note to the next.
The second track, “Cardova - Live”, tips off with the electric bass drawing the listener in. Tim Carman & The Street 45s utilize this track to lead the listener through a stellar rendition of The Meters’ song of the same title. “Cardova - Live” has its bells and whistles, but ultimately, it remains relaxed. A good track to think things through to... The tapping notes of the organ tell a story, as the electric bass heads heavy into the pocket of Carman on the drums. A well to do second song that insures the rest of the album will be in smooth flight.
Thirdly, we hear a waxy and funk-melding original song titled, “Beard Oil - Live”. “Beard Oil” is not just gripping due to its visceral name, it is also immersive in its presentation. The electric guitar lead holds strong with Pat Faherty of the band, GA-20, on the strings. Carman mentions that this song was written the week of their “Live at State Park” show, and the true essence of a tight group of musicians is revealed. Tim explains that the band got together to rehearse just once before putting on this venue-rocking show, furthermore, the song was played with precision. Wonderful execution of a lively song with just the smallest hint of twang.
In at number four is “Memphis - Live”. It’s like a nice little mid-afternoon cup of tea, clocking in at 2 minutes and 45 seconds. Brief, to the point, and paying lots of honor to the great, Chuck Berry, its composer. There is something so American and rock-a-billy about Chuck Berry’s music. With Tim Carman & The Street 45s adding this to the album, I think it really draws out the group’s fusion Americana vibe.
That same vibe is drawn out quite nicely with a fuzzy couple riffs on the guitar via the beginning of track 5, “9 ’Til 5 - Live”. Originally composed and recorded by The Meters, Carman & The Street 45s bring down the house with a truly captivating call to dance. It’s during this song, around 2:33, that Tim’s drum talent shines through and clicks. I hear in context why he is a sought out musician throughout Boston and beyond.
Following “9 ’Til 5 - Live” is “Soul Sanction - Live”, originally performed by Booker T. & The MG’s. I have to say this is my favorite track on the album. There’s a homegrown feel to the way the guitar and organ compliment each other. I look forward to jamming this album often, and Tim Carman & The Street 45s version of “Soul Sanction” confirms that fact.
There’s a drum lead into “The Ocean - Live”. I feel like I have heard this song a million times. It’s got a real hook to it. Its nuance and novelty proves relevant to rounding out the band with a spectacular set.
Lastly, Tim Carman & The Street 45s close out the album with “Bring it on Home To Me - Live” by Sam Cooke. I picture the audience swaying on the dance floor, happy to know honest music is alive and well. Take the time to check out “Live at State Park” by Tim Carman & The Street 45s. You will be glad you took the time.
Spin Cycle Presents
6/8/2020 - Album Review
By Kendra Muecke
CHECK OUT THE ALBUM ON SPOTIFY:
https://bit.ly/timcarman_liveatstatepark