released June 27, 2022

The Carrie Armitage Quartet

Piano, Keys & Vocals - Carrie Armitage
Guitars - Brian May
Bass - Mitch Starkman
Drums & Percussion - Gary Craig

Produced & Arranged by Carrie Armitage
Mixed @ Village Works Canada Anton Evans - Engineer
Mastered by Bob Katz for Digital Domain

This recording came into existence when humans of Planet Earth were mostly isolated at home. The music business, along with much of the world, had come to a near halt. The natural world was flourishing. The air & skies - clear. I took to daily walks in the forest and began to notice the subtle, beautiful changes that occur - and have always occurred.

After checking in on a few of my favorite and usually very busy musician friends, it became clear there was a silver-lining opportunity to be creative together during this time. Art has a way of carving a path through even the most challenging of times.

My bandmates were each well equipped to record tracks in their home studios. I distributed the sketch arrangements, extending the freedom of creative energy. These pieces evolved as the remote sessions arrived in my studio – a collection of ideas to explore. This was a brand new & different sonic palette for me to work with.

I love the cast of characters and the voices we each bring to this collection. While based on a contemporary groove inspired flavoring, it really doesn’t demonstrate much reverence for any particular genre. You’ll hear hints of progressive rock, jazz fusion and perhaps some eclectic Age of Aquarius inspired vocals.

Sending some gratitude-laden love to my uber-talented brothers in groove!

Thank you for your level of trust in me:

Mitch Starkman elevates this project with his passion for composition and performance, often working with the most basic version of these tracks, gracing them with his fantastic foundation work. As soon as I heard his playing I knew we’d have to work together one day. I’m so grateful for his talent and generous, collaborative spirit.

Brian May contributes a fun, spirited character – laying down hook after hook, soaring solos, well crafted ambient guitar voices and funky rhythm beds. Always over-delivering, a fun collaboration partner and a pleasure to work with this gentle man and great musician.

Gary Craig shows up as anyone who knows him would expect – perfectly executed and crafted rhythm suites allowing a ton of flexibility in the arrangements and most importantly - that feel great. When Gary is at the kit everyone’s feel improves. A mutual love of groove music is what inspired us to dig into this project and I’m so glad we did.

As well - Tremendous gratitude to my studio partner, Anton Evans. I don’t know how many kilometers of music we have recorded together Mr. E. - surely it’s enough waveform to travel to the moon and back on. To many more laugh out loud moments. We are in the room. Wait, are you in the room? I see lots of guitars …

Bob Katz – Very nice finish, as always! We LUFS you. Merci.

And Thank YOU - fellow Earthlings, from all of us. We hope you enjoy A-Side.

Love Out,

Carrie
The Carrie Armitage Quartet