Saxophonist Shelley Carrol hails from a family of gospel singers and musicians in Houston, Texas. It was there that the music bug bit him at an early age and landed him in the famed Boys Choir of Houston. After picking up the saxophone, he was able to study with the legendary Texas tenor greats Arnett Cobb and Don Wilkerson. At the time he didn’t know how revered these gentlemen were around the globe. They simply lived in his neighborhood. Shelley attended the city’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and was a standout in the city’s Summer Jazz Workshop Program. This is where he developed a true flair for the stage.

While attending the University of North Texas, Shelley earned a spot in the Grammy nominated One O’clock Lab Band. There he recorded two critically acclaimed CDs in 1990 and 1991. During the same period, Shelley was invited to join the Duke Ellington Orchestra by trumpeter Barry Lee Hall. This would prove to be an enormous musical opportunity with worldwide exposure. Since joining the band, he has toured the U.S. and over 30 foreign countries. He has also recorded and/or performed with Maureen McGovern, Tony Bennet, Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams and a host of others.

Shelley evolved to record as a leader in 1997. He was able to feature members of the Duke Ellington Orchestra on his debut CD for Leaning House Records. His second CD, A Distant Star, was released in the fall of 2001. The disc features pianist Bernard Wright, bassist Curtis Lundy and drummer Sebastian Whittaker.

Shelley also feels a need to share his musical gift with today’s youth. He currently teaches part-time at West Mesquite High School and gives clinics whenever he can. He even has plans to develop a Summer Jazz Workshop in Dallas. He says "music has to be shared to truly be enjoyed." Anyone who listens to his tenor saxophone would have to agree.

Information from the artist's site

Musicians

• Shelley Carrol: saxophone

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