Hailed by Vanyaland (Boston music publication) as “one of Boston’s most accomplished percussionists,” Tim Carman has established himself as a first-call drummer in the Boston-area blues, funk, and Americana scenes. “If his name sounds familiar,” Andrew Maroney of Vanyaland explains, “then you’ve probably seen him on the back-line of a number of tremendous Boston groups the past few years. From GA-20 to [Peter Parcek], Carman leaves his indelible imprint on some of Boston’s most illustrious jazz/blues acts.” The Street 45s are Tim Carman’s Boston based funk/soul brainchild. Tim’s side hustle, if you will, while home from touring with GA-20.
“Instrumentals” celebrates three years since the release of Tim Carman & The Street 45s' eponymous album with instrumental versions of three of its tracks: Dangerous, Just A Little, and Don’t Sleep. The album was recorded in 2018 at Revolution Sound Studios in Charlestown, MA and released via Mint 400 Records in 2019. All three songs were originally recorded as instrumental tracks, with vocals written and recorded after the fact. ‘Instrumentals’ highlights the strong musicianship of The Street 45’s rhythm section—made up of guitarist Steve Fell, bassist Joe McMahon, organist Justin Lopes, percussionist/producer Dave Brophy and drummer/leader Tim Carman. As well as its blazing horn section—made up of trombonist/arranger Ray Gennari, trumpeter Will Chilton, tenor/alto saxophonist Nick Zambrotta, and Bari/tenor saxophonist Collin Larkin.
Dangerous is a Gaye-inspired funk tune bolstered by blistering organ (Justin Lopes) and guitar solos (Steve Fell). “A chic fusion of funk, blues, jazz, and soul,” Andrew Maroney of Vanyaland writes. “The single features insane percussion work and [a] prominent organ track that slides in and out of the song. Jazzy guitar licks by Steve Fell and a bumping bass line by Joe McMahon give way to a rosy horn section to add the final layers of funk to make ‘Dangerous’ into one of the best singles to be released this [season].” Just A Little contains a dreamy synth melody on top of a Funkadelic inspired half-time feel. Even without the vocals, it’s an ear worm of a melody written by Tim Carman and producer Dave Brophy. Finally, Don’t Sleep—with its syncopated Hammond B3 part, soulful horn lines, and classic rhumba feel—harkens back to an era when Ray Charles ruled the airways.
‘Instrumentals’ simultaneously celebrates Tim’s first outing as a bandleader and shines a new light on three funky original Street 45s tunes.
(Instrumental Version)
(Official Version)