Saxophonist “Captain” Carl Conley brings his Quartet with Dave Powers on keyboard, Louis Tsamous on drums and Dennis Hodges on guitar, to the Troubadour Club this Saturday, November 16th at 7pm.
Carl has studied with many notables but is best known locally as the protégé and lifelong friend of the legendary Gene “King Sax” Walker, one of the best saxophonists/educators/bandleaders in Central Ohio. Carl has performed with the late Leroy “Hog” Cooper (who was with Ray Charles for 25+ years), “Honeyboy” Edwards, Bo Diddley Jr., Joe Weaver and Lou Donaldson. Locally, he has collaborated with blues-man and “little brother” Sean Carney whom he sponsored at the 2006 International Blues Competition in Memphis’ famed Orpheum Theater, and with the late Willie Pooch who stole the show at the 2008 two-day Blues on the Green Festival also produced by Carl.
The Captain continues to perform regularly with Walker and the fabulous Dave Powers, one of Columbus’ finest pianists. Carl has also performed at the Zanzibar, Troubadour Club, Roadhouse, Akron Art Museum, Hunan Gourmet, Taj Mahal and Jazz Central. His hard blowing, authentic Texas Tenor sound is unique, capturing the bluesy swing of years past with a modern edge. He is also known for original funk style vocals but is just as comfortable launching into a rendition of Disney’s Bare Necessities or Frank Zappa’s “I’m the Slime”. An altogether original artist who will leave a lasting impression with high-energy verve and style. Gene Walker proclaimed:
Carl has the tone that reminds me of jazz greats like Dexter Gordon, Illinois Jacquet and the wild man of Texas, Arnett Cobb. He has that undefinable sound that earmarks a jazz man.
Captain Carl’s Jazz & Blues Revue “A Century of American Music”
Troubadour Club
2997 E. 5th Ave
Call 614.426.3613 for tickets
or purchase online
The “Capt” is well known here in Florida where he produced many concerts on his own dime, including, Joe Weaver, Gary Puckett, Mitch Ryder, Sean Carney, Sir Mack Rice, “The Queen of Boogie Woogie” Wendy Dewitt, Willie Pooch (who stole the show at the 2008 two-day Blues on the Green Festival also produced by Carl. BTW, Carl and the newspaper he owned at the time (The Island Sand Paper) and the Peabody Hotel Group sponsored Sean Carney at the IBC the year he won, not the other way around, you might want to correct that. Capt. Carl has played hundreds of dates here in Florida the past ten years and is scheduled for club dates with over 50 appearances during the winter season, January- April. He’s pretty different and has one of the “fattest” tenor sounds around.
I’ve played for and with Capt. Carl for many years. His love for the saxophone and the tradition of our music is evident whenever and wherever he plays. Carl is always welcome on my bandstand. There’s a joyful hard swing and energy in his music. Of course I’m biased since he’s been my close, personal friend for many years. I’ll be there at the Troubadour after I’m done with our regular gig at the Zanzibar.
This is a super event not to be missed – it’s always a good time when Capt. Carl is in town! I’ll be there early!
I’ve known and played (alto) on the bandstand with Captain Carl for almost 40 years. He is a dynamic, original and gifted student of the blues and swing era. Having developed the deep rich tenor tone in the likeness of Dexter Gordan, Carl is just as comfortable with the funky stuff, his original lyrics bring his funk rap perspective from a life lived on the edge. Don’t miss this!