Track Listing:1. Pieces Of Me (3:33)
2. Sunshine Yellow (feat. Peter White) (4:26) 3. Pink Flamango (feat. Paul Brown) (4:04) 4. Seaside Story (4:20) 5. Neptune Passion (feat Adrian Crutchfield) (4:16) 6. Vertical Horizon (feat. Paul Brown) (3:56) 7. City Walk (3:59) 8. Losing Myself (feat. Brian Bromberg) (4:56) 9. Hidden Pages (5:01) 10. Pieces of Me (Reprise) (3:53) |
Musicians:Carol Albert - Piano, Keyboards, Programming, Synthesizers, Percussion, Vocals, Loops, Co-Producer
Paul Brown - Co-Producer, Mixing Engineer, Guitar, Percussion (tracks 1, 3, 5, 6, 7)
Roberto Vally - Bass, Percussion, Co-Producer, Mixing Engineer, Drum Programming (tracks 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10)
Lil John Roberts - Drums (tracks 2, 3, 4, 5). Engineered by Raheem Amlani
Brian Bromberg - Bass (track 8)
Timothy Bailey Jr - Bass (track 1)
Jeffrey LeRoy Smith - Keys, Bass, Drum Programming, Guitar (tracks 6, 7)
Lew Laing - Synths, Drum Programming (track 1)
Carnell Harrell - Additional Synth (track 4)
Ragan Whiteside - Flute (tracks 4)
Paula Atherton - Saxophone (track 3)
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Adrian Crutchfield - Saxophone/Flute (tracks 5, 9)
Shane Theriot - Acoustic/Electric Guitars (tracks 1, 3, 4, 5, 8)
Peter White - Electric Guitar (track 2)
Sander Pinheiro - Rhythm Guitar (track 2)
Andre Frappier - Electric Guitar (track 1)
Dan Baraszu - Guitar (track 10)
Tierra Stuart - Vocals (track 6)
Steven EUGEne Groove - Mastering c/o House Of Groove
Darren English - Album Design
Mil Cannon - Photography
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CAROL ALBERT
"PIECES OF ME"
SUMMARIES
Album Summary
In a genre where song and album titles are often charming afterthought phrases not meaningfully connected to the music, one of Carol Albert’s most remarkable trademarks has been writing and recording songs and albums whose names chronicle, express and reflect on different chapters in her life and the world around her. Inspired in part by an introspective poem the pianist/composer wrote while walking in the woods near her home in North Georgia, the ultra-melodic, stylistically and rhythmically eclectic Pieces of Me is her fourth full length smooth jazz album since becoming one of the genre’s most popular core artists in 2017 and her 11th Full length Album. Thematically bookended by different versions of the title track, it’s an infectious, emotionally relatable collection sharing a journey that captures an artful balance of the great, high spirited joyful moments of life and slightly darker moods representing those challenging pieces of life where we face sorrow and struggle.
With Producers Carol Albert, Paul Brown, Euge Groove, Roberto Vally and Lew Laing, Carol’s successful collaborative flow continues on “Pieces of Me”. Paul Brown, the two-time Grammy winning guitarist, producer and mega hitmaker, produced six of the tracks: the opening version of ‘Pieces of Me”, “Pink Flamango” and “Vertical Horizon” featuring Brown’s guitar complementing the pianist’s dynamic melodies, “City Walk”, “Neptune Passion” and “Losing Myself” . The album’s first lead single “Sunshine Yellow,” produced by Carol and bassist Roberto Vally and featuring guitarist Peter White, mixed and mastered by Euge Groove, was released in early 2024. It has been one of the pianist’s biggest chart hits to date, reaching #1 on the Billboard, Mediabase and Smooth Jazz Network charts and becoming SJ Network’s top song of the year, Billboard’s #3 and Mediabase’s #2 song of the year. The second single, the Euge Groove produced “Seaside Story” hit the Top Ten on Billboard, Mediabase and Smooth Jazz Network. Carol and Vally also collaborate on two other tracks, including the co-production of the reprise of “Pieces of Me.”
In a genre where song and album titles are often charming afterthought phrases not meaningfully connected to the music, one of Carol Albert’s most remarkable trademarks has been writing and recording songs and albums whose names chronicle, express and reflect on different chapters in her life and the world around her. Inspired in part by an introspective poem the pianist/composer wrote while walking in the woods near her home in North Georgia, the ultra-melodic, stylistically and rhythmically eclectic Pieces of Me is her fourth full length smooth jazz album since becoming one of the genre’s most popular core artists in 2017 and her 11th Full length Album. Thematically bookended by different versions of the title track, it’s an infectious, emotionally relatable collection sharing a journey that captures an artful balance of the great, high spirited joyful moments of life and slightly darker moods representing those challenging pieces of life where we face sorrow and struggle.
With Producers Carol Albert, Paul Brown, Euge Groove, Roberto Vally and Lew Laing, Carol’s successful collaborative flow continues on “Pieces of Me”. Paul Brown, the two-time Grammy winning guitarist, producer and mega hitmaker, produced six of the tracks: the opening version of ‘Pieces of Me”, “Pink Flamango” and “Vertical Horizon” featuring Brown’s guitar complementing the pianist’s dynamic melodies, “City Walk”, “Neptune Passion” and “Losing Myself” . The album’s first lead single “Sunshine Yellow,” produced by Carol and bassist Roberto Vally and featuring guitarist Peter White, mixed and mastered by Euge Groove, was released in early 2024. It has been one of the pianist’s biggest chart hits to date, reaching #1 on the Billboard, Mediabase and Smooth Jazz Network charts and becoming SJ Network’s top song of the year, Billboard’s #3 and Mediabase’s #2 song of the year. The second single, the Euge Groove produced “Seaside Story” hit the Top Ten on Billboard, Mediabase and Smooth Jazz Network. Carol and Vally also collaborate on two other tracks, including the co-production of the reprise of “Pieces of Me.”
“Pieces of Me” (song)
The poem Carol wrote that partially inspired this song, leading to creation of the entire album, includes the lines: “A closer look reveals the shattered glass/Each piece from times in my past. . .The best before me now to be/All in the pieces of me.” Starting off with an elegant swirling piano motif, the song taps into her realization that every chapter of her life represents a different piece, and instead of trying to assemble them to make perfect sense, it’s best to keep moving forward, without paying mind to beginnings and endings. Carol rides a seductive groove with a her elegant, reflective and soulful melody amidst a moody, atmospheric setting given emotional heft and extra energy by Andre Frappier’s edgy electric guitar.
The poem Carol wrote that partially inspired this song, leading to creation of the entire album, includes the lines: “A closer look reveals the shattered glass/Each piece from times in my past. . .The best before me now to be/All in the pieces of me.” Starting off with an elegant swirling piano motif, the song taps into her realization that every chapter of her life represents a different piece, and instead of trying to assemble them to make perfect sense, it’s best to keep moving forward, without paying mind to beginnings and endings. Carol rides a seductive groove with a her elegant, reflective and soulful melody amidst a moody, atmospheric setting given emotional heft and extra energy by Andre Frappier’s edgy electric guitar.
“Sunshine Yellow”
Released as the first lead single and follow-up to her bossa-flavored song “Sol Ipanema,” Carol sets a purposefully hopeful tone in the midst of a collectively anxious time with an infectious burst of “Sunshine Yellow,” a vibrant, Latin-influenced pop-jazz tune that the pianist intended to inspire a happy time full of dancing. Co-written and produced by Carol and bassist Roberto Vally, the snappy, fast rolling track features dynamic interaction between Carol’s piano and the snappy trademark acoustic guitar of special guest Peter White over the exotic, spirited grooving of Vally and drummer L’il John Roberts.
Released as the first lead single and follow-up to her bossa-flavored song “Sol Ipanema,” Carol sets a purposefully hopeful tone in the midst of a collectively anxious time with an infectious burst of “Sunshine Yellow,” a vibrant, Latin-influenced pop-jazz tune that the pianist intended to inspire a happy time full of dancing. Co-written and produced by Carol and bassist Roberto Vally, the snappy, fast rolling track features dynamic interaction between Carol’s piano and the snappy trademark acoustic guitar of special guest Peter White over the exotic, spirited grooving of Vally and drummer L’il John Roberts.
“Pink Flamango”
Carol keeps the positive vibes flowing upfront on the peppy, joyous “Pink Flamango,” which Carol considers the most fun and playful piece on the album, a whimsical jazzy tune whose title inspires her – and by extension, listeners – to imagine the wondrous discoveries of being at a park or zoo on a summer day dancing to the music. She pairs its initial dark chord groove on piano with Vally joining on the bass, and the sparks shooting off Shane Theriot’s crackling electric guitar and Paul Brown joining in. Switching on and off with that motif, the main melody is breezy and lighthearted, with Carol’s piano dancing over the funky groove. Both Carol and Paul Brown take improvisational solos, and Paula Atherton adds tasty sax touches.
Carol keeps the positive vibes flowing upfront on the peppy, joyous “Pink Flamango,” which Carol considers the most fun and playful piece on the album, a whimsical jazzy tune whose title inspires her – and by extension, listeners – to imagine the wondrous discoveries of being at a park or zoo on a summer day dancing to the music. She pairs its initial dark chord groove on piano with Vally joining on the bass, and the sparks shooting off Shane Theriot’s crackling electric guitar and Paul Brown joining in. Switching on and off with that motif, the main melody is breezy and lighthearted, with Carol’s piano dancing over the funky groove. Both Carol and Paul Brown take improvisational solos, and Paula Atherton adds tasty sax touches.
“Seaside Story”
Carol slows the pace considerably while keeping the spirit breezy and romantic on “Seaside Story,” song produced by saxophonist Euge Groove that inspires the pianist to imagine a day chilling out and sipping a margarita on the beach or boardwalk in Key West or the Seaside on the Atlantic coast of Florida. Showcasing the sheer elegance and passion of her ivory artistry, the song becomes more emotional and rhythmic as it flows along. The stunning flute solo by Ragan Whiteside, which reminds Carol of kites flying, is followed by an equally beautiful, mood painting nylon string guitar solo by Shane Theriot.
Carol slows the pace considerably while keeping the spirit breezy and romantic on “Seaside Story,” song produced by saxophonist Euge Groove that inspires the pianist to imagine a day chilling out and sipping a margarita on the beach or boardwalk in Key West or the Seaside on the Atlantic coast of Florida. Showcasing the sheer elegance and passion of her ivory artistry, the song becomes more emotional and rhythmic as it flows along. The stunning flute solo by Ragan Whiteside, which reminds Carol of kites flying, is followed by an equally beautiful, mood painting nylon string guitar solo by Shane Theriot.
“Neptune Passion” ft. Adrian Crutchfield
Named for the god of the freshwater and sea in the Roman religion – and that culture’s counterpart to the Greek god Poseidon – “Neptune’s Passion” boasts a dreamy, hypnotic quality – and includes with what Carol calls a “floaty middle section” – which reflect its spiritual foundation and inspiration. Its irresistible hook, which recurs throughout, showcases the soaring, soulful duality of Carol’s piano and guest Adrian Crutchfield’s graceful soprano sax. While Carol’s original rendition had more of an ethereal quality, she asked Brown in his production to beef it up, resulting in Shane Theriot adding a simmering fire via his crisp rock guitar edges. She credits this with taking the song “from a sleepy to a Peter Gabriel” vibe.
Named for the god of the freshwater and sea in the Roman religion – and that culture’s counterpart to the Greek god Poseidon – “Neptune’s Passion” boasts a dreamy, hypnotic quality – and includes with what Carol calls a “floaty middle section” – which reflect its spiritual foundation and inspiration. Its irresistible hook, which recurs throughout, showcases the soaring, soulful duality of Carol’s piano and guest Adrian Crutchfield’s graceful soprano sax. While Carol’s original rendition had more of an ethereal quality, she asked Brown in his production to beef it up, resulting in Shane Theriot adding a simmering fire via his crisp rock guitar edges. She credits this with taking the song “from a sleepy to a Peter Gabriel” vibe.
“Vertical Horizon” ft. Paul Brown
Truly a showcase for the masterful complementary relationship between Carol’s piano and producer Paul Brown’s lush nylon string guitar, she calls “Vertical Horizon” the one song on the album that truly floats along all the way through. Starting with atmospheric old school synth effects, it’s a gorgeous meditative ballad that, in Carol’s view, “is a little break between the more action-filled songs, a song designed to chill out to.” Though there are breezy atmospheric urban jazz touches throughout, the focus is always on Carol and Brown’s exquisite dual magic.
Truly a showcase for the masterful complementary relationship between Carol’s piano and producer Paul Brown’s lush nylon string guitar, she calls “Vertical Horizon” the one song on the album that truly floats along all the way through. Starting with atmospheric old school synth effects, it’s a gorgeous meditative ballad that, in Carol’s view, “is a little break between the more action-filled songs, a song designed to chill out to.” Though there are breezy atmospheric urban jazz touches throughout, the focus is always on Carol and Brown’s exquisite dual magic.
“City Walk”
Carol says that the high spirited, strutting energy of “City Walk” was inspired by simply moving at a brisk pace through a bustling city on a happy, sunny day. Driven by a charming, lighthearted melody, it’s one of her more hopeful, optimistic pieces, with her shimmering piano ambling amiably over a light funk groove propelled by Roberto Vally’s bass, Jeffrey Smith’s drum programming and Brown’s percussion touches. It’s reflective of one of those pieces of life that shows us that even when we’re surrounded by trouble and chaos, we can change our mindset, pick up the pace and walk right on through to the light.
Carol says that the high spirited, strutting energy of “City Walk” was inspired by simply moving at a brisk pace through a bustling city on a happy, sunny day. Driven by a charming, lighthearted melody, it’s one of her more hopeful, optimistic pieces, with her shimmering piano ambling amiably over a light funk groove propelled by Roberto Vally’s bass, Jeffrey Smith’s drum programming and Brown’s percussion touches. It’s reflective of one of those pieces of life that shows us that even when we’re surrounded by trouble and chaos, we can change our mindset, pick up the pace and walk right on through to the light.
“Losing Myself” ft. Brian Bromberg
One of the moodier songs on the album, the gentle, introspective ballad “Losing Myself” is a bit darker than most of Carol’s trademark compositions, but perfectly captures the reality of going through hard times where we can temporarily lose our way and forget who we really are and what our purpose is. Complementing Carol’s meditative, introspective piano melody, special guest bass great Brian Bromberg taps into the darker energy with a gorgeous solo that adds emotional gravitas. Carol is the mother of a teenager who is into what that generation calls “dark music,” and this is the smooth jazz equivalent to exploring those heavier realities of life.
One of the moodier songs on the album, the gentle, introspective ballad “Losing Myself” is a bit darker than most of Carol’s trademark compositions, but perfectly captures the reality of going through hard times where we can temporarily lose our way and forget who we really are and what our purpose is. Complementing Carol’s meditative, introspective piano melody, special guest bass great Brian Bromberg taps into the darker energy with a gorgeous solo that adds emotional gravitas. Carol is the mother of a teenager who is into what that generation calls “dark music,” and this is the smooth jazz equivalent to exploring those heavier realities of life.
“Hidden Pages”
Though written and arranged by Carol and Roberto Vally, the title of the magnificent, ambient chill jazz electronica vibing “Hidden Pages” emerged from a moment when Carol and Euge Groove were working on “Seaside Story.” Carol couldn’t locate a file on her Yamaha and Euge told her where to look on her keyboard, and she started scrolling through the pages to find it. Carol found it and said, “Wow, it’s in all these hidden pages!” Taken metaphorically, she equates it with when we search hard for a solution and it’s simpler than we thought, there in front of us all along. As her piano melody glides over a hypnotic groove with layers of soothing synths caressing throughout, Adrian Crutchfield breezes in with his silky sax and angelic flute textures.
Though written and arranged by Carol and Roberto Vally, the title of the magnificent, ambient chill jazz electronica vibing “Hidden Pages” emerged from a moment when Carol and Euge Groove were working on “Seaside Story.” Carol couldn’t locate a file on her Yamaha and Euge told her where to look on her keyboard, and she started scrolling through the pages to find it. Carol found it and said, “Wow, it’s in all these hidden pages!” Taken metaphorically, she equates it with when we search hard for a solution and it’s simpler than we thought, there in front of us all along. As her piano melody glides over a hypnotic groove with layers of soothing synths caressing throughout, Adrian Crutchfield breezes in with his silky sax and angelic flute textures.
“Pieces of Me” (Reprise)
Sometimes a reprise at the end of a full-length album is just a shorter version of the exact same track that started the collection, but this offers a completely new production by Carol and Roberto Vally that’s got a poppish, slightly more positive feel compared to the bluesy flavor and darker shades of the opening track, which is produced by Paul Brown and Lew Laing. In this unique arrangement, listeners will be able to detect Vally’s bass and a slight classical guitar coming from Dan Baraszu. The idea is that after going through all the pieces of life that she shares on the album, she emerges refreshed, a bit more positive and ready to embrace the next phase of her ever-evolving life and musical story.
Sometimes a reprise at the end of a full-length album is just a shorter version of the exact same track that started the collection, but this offers a completely new production by Carol and Roberto Vally that’s got a poppish, slightly more positive feel compared to the bluesy flavor and darker shades of the opening track, which is produced by Paul Brown and Lew Laing. In this unique arrangement, listeners will be able to detect Vally’s bass and a slight classical guitar coming from Dan Baraszu. The idea is that after going through all the pieces of life that she shares on the album, she emerges refreshed, a bit more positive and ready to embrace the next phase of her ever-evolving life and musical story.
Carol Albert - PIECES OF ME
Written by Jonathan Widran
When Carol Albert started scaling the smooth jazz airplay charts in 2017 with “One Way” and “Chasing Waterfalls” from her album Fly Away Butterfly, it made sense to appreciate the pianist/composer’s fascinating swirl of melodic grace, seductive grooves and hoppin’ global vibes as the exciting emergence of a new artist. But in reality, the classically trained artist was only starting the next phase of a multi-faceted career that included an Emmy nomination, countless international performances and a discography of adult contemporary albums dating back to the early 90s.
While the artist’s ability to resonate emotionally over the course of her subsequent albums Stronger Now (2020) and Magic Mirror (2022) and a flurry of massive airplay hits is impressive, we live in a world dominated by streaming, where big numbers often tell the deeper tale of an artist’s overall impact. So it’s worth noting that, while most artists who share smooth jazz chart space with her measure their success with airplay spins and Billboard chart positions, she complements her dominance there with Spotify streaming totals usually reserved for budding indie pop stars.
As of early 2025, on Spotify, “Perfect Sunday” and the title track from her 2020 album Stronger Now have 10.8M+ and 3M+ streams, respectively, and “Fire and Water” from Magic Mirror (2022) has 1.8M+.
As of early 2025, on Spotify, “Perfect Sunday” and the title track from her 2020 album Stronger Now have 10.8M+ and 3M+ streams, respectively, and “Fire and Water” from Magic Mirror (2022) has 1.8M+.
As she regales her fans and hopefully large swaths of curious new listeners with her latest album Pieces of Me, the qualities that set Carol apart from many of her peers comes clear once again, Beyond her ability to pen great/pop jazz tunes and work with top producers like Paul Brown, Roberto Vally and Euge Groove, it’s the fact that, using predominantly instrumental music with gentle touches of vocals and thought-provoking titles, she invites us into her life.
Though her breakthrough single was an explosive cover of the Brazilian standard “Mas Que Nada,” she’s infused the genre with original songs that both chronicle her personal emotional journey (as she emerged from a time of great loss following the passing of her husband in 2014) and thoughtfully reflect on the world around her. Yes, she’s had a dizzying array of hit singles, but her aesthetic is that of someone who came up in the era where the full album experience was the (literal) gold standard. Her airplay smashes must be experienced in context of the so called “album cuts” to fully connect with her compelling narrative storytelling.
To put it succinctly, in hopes that if Pieces of Me is your first Carol experience it prompts you to check out her previous gems, Fly Away Butterfly reflected the process of healing from her loss, with tunes specifically touching on her stages of recovering and healing. (Not easy to do in a genre that favors upbeat escapist jams – but she balances joy and sorrow quite artfully!) Stronger Now (2020), the first of her albums to predominantly feature the production expertise of two-time Grammy winning guitarist/mega hitmaker Paul Brown, chronicles her ongoing emotional journey, with songs of resilience and determination to navigate life on her own. (Musical inspiration at its finest).
Perhaps my favorite album up till the equally mesmerizing and fascinating Pieces of Me is Magic Mirror (2022), whose elegant light funk vibe and luminescent flowing energy reminded me of the great contemporary jazz of the early 90s (a time when Carol was doing her AC stuff!) She released this one in the wake of the pandemic, tapping thematically into the importance of self-acceptance (especially among woman facing challenging modern beauty standards) and the optimistic embrace of an era of new awakenings.
Bookended by different versions of the title track – the first darker and bluesier, the finale driven by a pop-flavored, slightly more positive vibe – Pieces of Me is an eclectic, emotionally relatable collection that takes the listener from life’s high spirited, joyful moments to more introspective, slightly bluesier moods where the journey takes us through times of sorrow and struggle. Though there are no vocals, the collection’s flashpoint was an introspective poem the pianist/composer wrote titled “Pieces of Me” while walking in the woods near her home in North Georgia.
Perhaps my favorite album up till the equally mesmerizing and fascinating Pieces of Me is Magic Mirror (2022), whose elegant light funk vibe and luminescent flowing energy reminded me of the great contemporary jazz of the early 90s (a time when Carol was doing her AC stuff!) She released this one in the wake of the pandemic, tapping thematically into the importance of self-acceptance (especially among woman facing challenging modern beauty standards) and the optimistic embrace of an era of new awakenings.
Bookended by different versions of the title track – the first darker and bluesier, the finale driven by a pop-flavored, slightly more positive vibe – Pieces of Me is an eclectic, emotionally relatable collection that takes the listener from life’s high spirited, joyful moments to more introspective, slightly bluesier moods where the journey takes us through times of sorrow and struggle. Though there are no vocals, the collection’s flashpoint was an introspective poem the pianist/composer wrote titled “Pieces of Me” while walking in the woods near her home in North Georgia.
A key line reads, “A closer look reveals the shattered glass/Each piece from times in my past/Should I attempt to reassemble?/Or is it more beautiful as a symbol?” For something composed so spontaneously, it's a majestic poem full of insight into how Carol is feeling about her life today. That she translated that so perfectly into musical poetry makes Pieces of Me a truly transcendent musical work.
Any discussion of the grand merits of Pieces of Me must begin with the vibrant, fast rolling Latin-influenced pop-jazz jam “Sunshine Yellow,” produced by Carol and bassist Roberto Vally, featuring guitarist Peter White and mastered by Euge Groove. The peppy romp reached #1 on the Billboard, Mediabase and Smooth Jazz Network charts and was SJ Network’s top song of the year, Billboard’s #3 and Mediabase’s #2 song of the year. The second single, the Euge Groove produced breezy, tropical flavored mid-tempo ballad “Seaside Story” also hit #1 on the Billboard and MediaBase Smooth AC charts.
Any discussion of the grand merits of Pieces of Me must begin with the vibrant, fast rolling Latin-influenced pop-jazz jam “Sunshine Yellow,” produced by Carol and bassist Roberto Vally, featuring guitarist Peter White and mastered by Euge Groove. The peppy romp reached #1 on the Billboard, Mediabase and Smooth Jazz Network charts and was SJ Network’s top song of the year, Billboard’s #3 and Mediabase’s #2 song of the year. The second single, the Euge Groove produced breezy, tropical flavored mid-tempo ballad “Seaside Story” also hit #1 on the Billboard and MediaBase Smooth AC charts.
Another major reason for Carol’s success on the charts is her long-term association with Brown and his crew of musical magicians at The Funky Joint. The cat responsible for over 70 chart hits as a solo artist and genre superstar producer helmed six of Carol’s new tracks – including the opening version of “Pieces of Me,” co-produced with Lew Laing; the festive, whimsy-filled “Pink Flamango” and meditative, atmospheric ballad “Vertical Horizon,” both featuring Brown’s shimmering guitar complementing Carol’s lush melodies; the playfully strutting “City Walk,” the dreamy, hypnotic “Neptune Passion” (which showcases the soaring, soulful duality of Carol’s piano and guest artist Adrian Crutchfield’s graceful soprano sax) and the meditative ballad “Losing Myself,” whose lush, stirring bass solo by Brian Bromberg adds deeper emotional gravitas.
Carol self-produced “Hidden Pages,” a , ambient chill jazz electronica vibing track whose title emerged from a moment when Carol and Euge Groove were working on “Seaside Story” and searched for a hard-to-find file. Taken metaphorically, and in line with her personal storytelling that has shared breakthrough moments along the way, she equates it with when we search hard for a solution and it’s simpler than we thought, there in front of us all along.
As on Carol’s previous genre albums, Pieces of Me finds Carol in ensemble with many of the genre’s top studio musicians. Paul Brown’s crew includes bassists Roberto Vally and Timothy Bailey, Jr., guitarists Shane Theriot and Andre Frappier, drummer Lil John Roberts and keyboardist/guitarist Jeffrey LeRoy Smith (also a co-writer on “Vertical Horizon”). In addition to the aforementioned Peter White, Brian Bromberg and saxophonist/flutist Adrian Crutchfield, guest artists include guitarist Dan Baraszu, saxophonist Paula Atherton, flutist Ragan Whiteside and vocalist Tierra Stuart.
Carol self-produced “Hidden Pages,” a , ambient chill jazz electronica vibing track whose title emerged from a moment when Carol and Euge Groove were working on “Seaside Story” and searched for a hard-to-find file. Taken metaphorically, and in line with her personal storytelling that has shared breakthrough moments along the way, she equates it with when we search hard for a solution and it’s simpler than we thought, there in front of us all along.
As on Carol’s previous genre albums, Pieces of Me finds Carol in ensemble with many of the genre’s top studio musicians. Paul Brown’s crew includes bassists Roberto Vally and Timothy Bailey, Jr., guitarists Shane Theriot and Andre Frappier, drummer Lil John Roberts and keyboardist/guitarist Jeffrey LeRoy Smith (also a co-writer on “Vertical Horizon”). In addition to the aforementioned Peter White, Brian Bromberg and saxophonist/flutist Adrian Crutchfield, guest artists include guitarist Dan Baraszu, saxophonist Paula Atherton, flutist Ragan Whiteside and vocalist Tierra Stuart.