Jason Carroll is considered one of today's most talented smooth jazz artists. The multi-instrumentalist and producer has proven time and time again that he is definitely worth checking out. As if from nowhere, multi instrumentalist and producer Jason Carroll has burst onto the scene with his debut release ‘Cool’. Although masquerading beneath the banner of the ‘Smooth Jazz Symphony’, all twelve tracks, (plus one bonus addition), are in fact composed, produced, arranged, and performed by Carroll. The result is a smooth and refreshing collection that stands as a wonderful showcase for his work and, for an artist still only twenty one years of age, opens up endless possibilities. Carroll is a native of Wichita, KS and an interest in the drums, which found him drawing his influences from the likes of Buddy Rich, Steve Gadd and Vinnie Colaiuta, later developed into a multi faceted passion for both keyboards and bass. His skill in using keyboards to emulate an entire range of instruments is, for one so young, genuinely amazing and has led in some quarters to him being referred to as ‘the Prince of smooth jazz’. Be that as it may Carroll certainly has a vibe all his own and he communicates this through a succession of accessible smooth jazz tracks that have genuine commercial appeal. From the hip and melodic ‘Take 1’ through the ultra catchy ‘El Amor De La Musica’ to the smooth yet edgy ‘Night Out On The Town’, the entire album provides constant reminders of just how much in tune Carroll is with the essence of smooth jazz. Personal favorites include ‘Easy Breeze’ that is every bit as vibey as its title suggests it should be, the radio ready ‘Cruisin The Groove’ and the delightfully turned down ‘Dreams’. Maybe best of all is the bonus track, ‘Jazz It Up’. With thumping bass and tight drums laying a wonderful foundation for Carroll’s funky keys, it’s a song that shows off a different but no less attractive side of his playing. ‘Cool’ was released on August 28, 2007 and is well worth seeking out. For more go to www.smoothjazzsymphony.com Wichita, Kansas native Jason Carroll was born into music. At the young age of only two years old, he began playing drums on his father's drum set. Seeing his interest in the drums, his father Jimmy began to work with him, providing drum lessons and opportunities to play at various churches. He watched and mirrored great drummers such as Dennis Chambers, Buddy Rich, Steve Gadd, Vinnie Colaiuta and Dave Weckl. As a result, he became a phenomenal drummer. He later developed an interest in keyboards and was given lessons by his mother, Barbara at the age of 10 in order to teach him the basics. At 16, he developed a strong ear for bass. After receiving a few lessons from his uncle Don Davis, he began studying and watching extraordinary bass players such as Marcus Miller, Brian Bromberg, and Victor Wooten. During his younger years, Jason grew up idolizing smooth jazz artists such as Norman Brown, George Benson, Chris Botti, Kenny G., and David Sanborn just to name a few. As a result, he began developing an ear for instruments such as the guitar, saxophone, trumpet, and flute. Realizing that it would take nearly a lifetime to learn every instrument up to his standards, he explored the craft of performing these instruments on the keyboard. He soon acquired the ability to emulate the sound of nearly any live instrument. Many people are misled by his compositions, believing that there is a live band playing when it is astonishingly only Jason by himself. For this reason, some people have identified him as the ”Prince“ of smooth jazz. Because of his passion for music, Jason spent countless hours playing drums, bass and keyboards, developing his own unique style of jazzy-funk. He is a producer at heart, yet smooth jazz has been his lifelong love. Now only 21 years old, he produces and plays all of the instruments sequenced and recorded on his smooth jazz, demonstrated on his debut cd entitled "COOL". He is indeed a musical prodigy with great ability to not only play but to compose and produce his own musical works. Upon listening to COOL, smooth jazz fans around the world will marvel at Jason's ability to blend smooth, cool, and refreshing melodies with powerful and funky bass lines along with his keen sense of rhythm.