Two Times True - True Christmas (2018)

For many years my trio has been developing re-harmonized, contemporary stylings of Christian hymns. We have enjoyed this process enjoying even more the warm response from congregations for whom we do these jazz services. Our aim with these arrangements is to bring His word to people with new harmonies, new beats, but preserving the beauty and meaning of the original hymns; many of these were written centuries ago.

Carolbeth True (pianist and band leader on this album) is a very active member of the St. Louis musical community, as both a performing artist and teacher. She is heard regularly in concerts and clubs. Carolbeth's piano studies began at age three with her mother, the late Carol Miles. In college, she studied with Evelyn Mitchell at the University of Missouri-St. Louis as part of a music performance/education degree program. Since that time, Carolbeth has built an extensive private teaching practice, both jazz and classical and is a long-term member of the Webster University music faculty.

She has backed a variety of noted artists: Warren Vache, Terry Gibbs, Buddy DeFranco, Bobby Shew, Harry Allen, Tex Beneke and the Modernaires, Four Lads, Ink Spots, Ann Hampton Callaway, and Greg Abate, among others.

Carolbeth’s main performance group at this time is Two Times True, with Carolbeth on piano/keyboard; her son Dave featured on drums; Glen Smith on bass; and saxophonist Larry Johnson. Vocalists Kim Fuller-Barnes, Deborah Sharn and Debby Lennon also perform with the group. She also performs the Oikos Ensemble led by Rev. Cliff Aerie.

She is heard on several CDs: The Carolbeth Trio, True, New World Harmonica Jazz with Sandy Weltman; I’m All Smiles with vocalist Debby Lennon, Two Times True with Dave True, Larry Johnson and Glen Smith; two Keith Ellis Sessions Big Band CDs; and two Larry Johnson cds: Circles and I’m Just Sayin’.