Bio: The Wes Carroll Confabulation walks the tight-rope, balancing detailed arrangements with the power of spontaneity. Since 2015, they have honed their unique blend: stretching out into a world of hip-hop grooves, soul and electricity while not losing their jazz footing. Their set blends Carroll's distinct, hip-hop-inspired singing, dynamic guitar solos, and modern-jazz horn lines with themes that include that include the rising cost of living, sexual humor, re-imagining masculinity, distraction, hopelessness, and quirky love. Wes has traveled the world, playing concerts in the EU, the UK, across Canada, and the US. In 2021, he finished a Masters in Jazz Performance as a guitar major at the University of Toronto and has since become faculty at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. While focusing on his own sound he also learns from the greats with side-projects that include “Wes plays Wes” (a tribute to Wes Montgomery), and PIGS: Canada's Most Authentic Pink Floyd Tribute where he performs as Roger Waters. The Confab are currently promoting their third studio album "Helium" (Released May 24, 2024).
◘ Full album “Helium” is out!! Stream it on various platforms.
◘ Monday Magazine Album Write Up Link
◘ 5 Questions with Canada Beats
Wes Carroll Confabulation
Helium is out on May 24th! Released through Flatcar Records. Photo taken by Seth Brooks
Album Description: Helium, Wes Carroll Confabulation's third studio album, is an expressive pop and jazz record defined by clever songwriting, deep grooves, thoughtful arranging, and Wes's distinct, hip-hop inspired vocals which combine flowing rhymes with potent melodies. Its nine tracks span a wide range of topics – the rising cost of living, sexual humor, re-imagining masculinity, distraction, hopelessness, and quirky love. This record is a departure from the Confab's previous two outings, introducing ambient slide guitar and vibraphones that dance around dynamic horn-lines. "Helium" is a deeply personal record that offers a space to grieve, laugh, and slow down.
The Band: Owen Chow: trumpet. Rowan Farintosh: sax . Steven Taddei: Bass. Cyril Lojda: drums. Dakota Hoeppner: Keys.
Album Reviews
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“Helium” by Wes Carroll Confabulation floats in the air like that carnival balloon, lost to the winds of change. The entire album dances at the threshold of reality, navigating the ethereal plane through neo-soul, jazz, and hip-hop flair. It’s akin to watching a kaleidoscope in slow motionᅳever-shifting and never quite predictable. From haunting vibraphones to ambient slide guitar, “Helium” is a record that sonically houses an exploration of the labyrinth of contemporary life. Class and expensive living, fluid masculinity, and the quirky nature of love are wrestled with. Carroll’s clever wordplay keeps you tethered on the ground with deep grooves, even while the essence of the album solicits you to drift away... - July 30, 2024.
MusicArenagh - Chris the Blogger
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Wes Carroll Confabulation’s new album “Helium” is a fantastic mix of soul and jazz music. The album has clever lyrics, strong beats, and thoughtful music arrangements. Wes Carroll’s singing style is special, combining rap and melody in a way that makes him stand out in the music. The album “Helium” features nine songs that explore various themes such as financial struggles, humorous sex jokes, the essence of masculinity, feelings of distraction, hopelessness, and unconventional love... - summer, 2024.
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Wes Carroll Confabulation returned to strength with "Helium", their third studio album, which combines expressive pop and innovative jazz. Available since 24 May 2024, this disc is distinguished by astute compositions, captivating grooves and careful arrangements. With hip hop-inspired vocals, Wes Carroll combines fluid and powerful melodies to address diverse themes such as the cost of living, sexual humor, the reinvention of masculinity, distraction, despair, and singular love... - August 2, 2024. Translated from French.
Photo taken by Seth Brooks
Photo taken by Seth Brooks