Carl grew up in Trinidad moving later to the UK and then to Canada in 1975. About that time his musical instrument of choice moved from guitar to bass. In Calgary, he started playing acoustic bass and finished a bachelor’s degree in nursing. In 1994, he moved to Lakeland Florida where he was a founding member of the band, Freetime (Jazz), Taabu (R&B), and leader of Street Level Jazz and Azwon (Reggae) bands. Freetime’s debut performance at the 1994 Child of the Sun Jazz Festival which was hosted by Nat Adderly, led to a friendship with the younger Adderly brother. Freetime went on to support Nat in a number of local gigs. After relocating his family to Utah in 2008, Carl became a founding member of Grammy-nominated Son of Ian (Contemporary Rock), a member of Acoustic Echo Americana (Blues/Country), and leader of Cooltone (Jazz and Blues). Carl is uniquely qualified to write the music for this creative eclectic album. Of Utah musicians, Carl said, “I’m honored and stand in awe of the awesome local talent that has made this album possible.”
Distant Colors (Track 1) reflects his love for Jesus Christ and the distant reward of being reunited with Him. His love for family is reflected in all of his writings, and his love for his wife Carole inspired the beautiful I Will Always Be Near (Track 2 reprised in Track 7). Track 3, Freetime Blues is a tribute to his cherished friends in the Freetime Jazz Band. Trinijazz (Track 4) and Brother Ray (Track 5) go back to Carl’s roots in Trinidad combined with his varied jazz experience. Brother Ray (Track 5) was retitled to express his appreciation for Ray Smith who encouraged, inspired, and helped to bring this album to fruition. One for Nat (Track 6) is a reminiscense of his great experiences with Nat Adderly.
Carl Ross is a great proponent of the importance of the family unit, and he asked that the following be included in the liner notes of this album.
Distant Colors