Who is  "that Violynist" ?

             As a young girl a passion was ignited: a love of our Lord and a love for music.

            It started as an ember, slowly intensifying and smoldering, then bursting forth as her abilities grew.  Her interest in music started as a fascination with the flute, but a decision by her father to switch to the "violyn" would prove immensely important.  He thought that there would be better opportunities for a violynist, musically speaking.  How right he turned out to be.  It wasn't long before she was ready for her first solo performance, the classic "Twinkle,  Twinkle."  Her music teacher, Don Miller, who was an accomplished musician in his own right, wanted to make sure that his students' solos were memorable and accompanied Carrie on drum set. From that point she was forever hooked.

            She progressed through grade school orchestras, camps and competitions, leading sections and earning praises and awards for her musicianship as well as her musicality.  Carrie set her goals to becoming a musician full-time and when it came time to  pick a  college, DePaul University was a perfect fit.  Not only did they offer her a great scholarship package, but the location also allowed her to keep her many students and regular playing gigs.

            Sophomore year was a big year in her life.  Carrie was married to her high school sweetheart and a close-knit group of friends all chipped in to help. Ralph, a wonderful tenor, also baked the cake,  Professor Herbert played organ for the service,  Tom did the invitations, Juliet, the photography, and the band at the reception were all friends of the bride and groom.  

            Life and music was progressing nicely, but there was something missing.  After three kids, three house rehabs and a five year stint with a community sinfonietta, Carrie told her husband that she wanted to get back to playing more popular music.  Bored by the same "fiddle" riffs over and over on the radio, she decided to explore her ability to improvise.   A local Folk- Rock acoustic combo was advertising for a guitarist and a drummer.  Sensing they might be up for something fresh and new, Carrie made the call.    One rehearsal later, the newest incarnation of Saldo Kreek was formed.  Ray and Tommy really gelled with Carrie and the sound that she brought to the group.  The bass player was just O.K. with it, but what can you expect from a rhythm section that cannot chew gum in time to the music?  Lou, the drummer, was added soon after, but could not stay long.   As time went on, she started to book the band, ultimately landing an opening slot for a Lynard Skynard Show.  Ray declined the show saying Skynard was going to open for him.  Shortly thereafter, the three guys went to Tennessee to record a full length album (2 of the songs Carrie helped write).  She did not get recognition for her efforts and when they came back, there really wasn't a band left.  Ray was convinced that he was going to Nashville to make a name for himself.  He did get a really nicely produced country album out of the trip.

            Carrie had kept in contact with Lou, the drummer, all along.  He had a pretty sweet studio set up at his house and the time to use it all.  He called one night to say he wanted to build a band around this female songwriter he had recorded.  Carrie was game, as well as a guitarist and a bass player.  After several months of rehearsals and some recording, Moonlit Candy was set to take the stage. Between the energy from the stage and the band members'  friends in the audience, Candy shows were always a great time.  Anywhere they played, they always had great compliments afterwards.  Lou's multi-media presentations and never-ending drum kit sounds paired with a guitarist that had a band in the box processor and an ethereal violyn, provided many  great out-of-body experiences.  The group recorded one full length album and Lou showed his chops behind the board as well as behind the kit.

            When it ended, the energy that wasn't being spent on someone else's projects turned inward and an old Univox 6 string provided the means to write the first song.  When Carrie ran into Jim at the music store, he expressed a desire to play and even write with her, and a new chapter was opened.   They were soon joined by another duo, an uncle on vocals and Marty, his nephew, on electric guitar and Carrie's daughter, Kat, on bass, flute and vocals. Dave made himself available  on drums and percussion as his schedule allowed.

            Since Carrie's husband is her #1 fan and support staff, he built a studio and started doing all the engineering work.  He himself is not a musician, but is entirely committed to getting her music out.  Time and a ton of tech manuals have taught him the skills to be able to record, mix and master any music that comes through their  space.  Recently, Carrie got in touch with Tommy and Marty to form a group called Carrie Lyn Infusion.  The joy of this group is to share music with their audience as well as each other that allows for their personal artistry through honest and caring songs and instrumentals in awe inspiring memorable performances.

Links

Home        Music Parlor        Soundbytes         Infusion        Calendar            Gallery        Contacts