CAROLYN TROWBRIDGE, Found Memories

Ever since Lionel Hampton recorded on Louis Armstong’s “Memories of You” in 1930, the vibraphone’s unique and expressive sound, versatility and improvisational potential have been an integral part of the jazz experience.

Bringing exciting contemporary sensibilities, a freewheeling, rhythmically eclectic style and keen storytelling abilities to the near century old tradition, veteran Austin TX vibes player and educator Carolyn Trowbridge emphatically puts her own exciting stamp on the instrument’s melodic and harmonic possibilities on her long-awaited debut album Found Memories.

Leading her core quartet of Bryan Sunderman (guitar), Mario Castellanos (bass) and Nick Tozzo (drums/percussion) – with special appearances by flutist Alex Coke, harpist Elaine Barber, tenor saxophonist Jason Frey and vocalist Caitlin Palmer – Trowbridge creates a delightful, mood swinging journey that runs the gamut from lively, whimsical pop-jazz (“Thank You For the Memories, Thank You For the Laughs,” “Tookey’s Engine,” “Turtle Heart”) and grooving exotica (“Duchess of Sheba,” “Physalia’s Journey”) to trippy/mystical (“Chopin’s Séance”), feisty jazz fusion (“Grackle Vs. Tacotarian”) and ethereal balladry (“The Lonely Frost Flower,” “The Old Woman Who Never Grew Older”).

The true joy of these Found Memories is never knowing where Trowbridge and friends will take the listener next – but the anticipation of something even more adventurous than the previous track is part of the magic. An impressive debut from an artist we need to be hearing more of in the coming years!