Bruce T. Carroll- My Life's Work (Mastering The Craft Of Music) (July 2021)

Issue Fifteen- July 2021:

By Mercedes Barreto

Mistakes happen. Those are the lessons we learn from, to excel in our ventures and thrive in our professions. Through trial and error, one becomes able to master their own apprenticeship. Bruce T. Carroll tells us all about his musical journey, and how it started. He is on his way to mastering his craft in this expository and informatory guided article.

What is the main inspiration behind the tones and the vibes in your style of music?

“I largely write on the acoustic guitar, so the rich and deep sounds of my Martin D-28 are what resonate with me and really stir my emotions. When I’m writing with my head and my heart, it makes for a better song. When I write on keyboards, however, I’m usually sitting at my acoustic upright, and I lay heavy on the sustain pedal, again, rich in atmospherics. No electronic music synthesizers for me!”

When did you realize your potential and when you wanted to do this? What does the music stand for in your eyes, ears, and heart?

“I fell in love with music as a child sitting in church listening to huge pipe organs playing baroque music in a huge old gothic church. Very stirring! Also, one of my earliest musical memories is hearing my mother sing old French folk songs to me at a very young age. Mix that with hearing Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Phil Ochs brought home from college by my brother, and my musical education was complete! Music is liberating and transporting, and the times I have had to live without it were hard times indeed… Very much trying to make it my life’s work!”

Has Covid and the pandemic had any effect on your musical activities or activities in general?

“The pandemic has not affected me as much as to others, because I have still been able to perform at certain venues where Covid regulations allowed for small-scale performances. And, I was able to engage at a recording studio, where it was likewise possible to record, so I got a whole full-length album done, and it is soon to be released (First Bird To Sing).”

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Why should we hear Bruce T Carroll and his musical message? Where can we become avid followers, supporters, and audience members? How can we, and why should we?

“In my music, you are likely to hear some beautiful lyrics, along with some progressive political views with a world view. You can come to hear me play live either solo or with my band, The Bruce T Carroll Band, at places like The Towne Crier in Beacon and the Turning Point in Nyack. You won’t regret it. We rock!”

Where are the specific links or locations where someone can find your musical workings? What does it mean to you every time someone plays your song?

“My website with all the links is www.brucetcarroll.com. It’s got my YouTube link and my Spotify and apple music links, as well as my live performance schedule.
My Facebook page is likewise: Bruce T Carroll.
When someone plays my songs on the radio, I think that for a moment, that at least all the struggle and hard work has finally paid off!”

What is your favorite song, style, or feel, described in three words, each in deep detail?

“Everything is changing, but my favorite musical style has been lyrical, uptempo rock, which is something like a cross between Dawes and Steve Earle. My favorite song might be ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’, performed by Bonnie Raitt and written by Reid and Shamblin. Feel? I can settle into some John Prine anytime, anywhere!”