Bio: The Wes Carroll Confabulation walks the tightrope, balancing detailed arrangements with the power of spontaneity. Since 2015, the band has honed its unique blend: stretching out into a world of hip-hop grooves, soul, and electricity while never losing its jazz footing. Their set weaves Wes's distinct, hip-hop-inspired vocals, dynamic guitar solos, and modern-jazz horn lines with songs that explore the rising cost of living, capitalist oligarchy, sexual humor, re-imagining masculinity, hopelessness, and quirky love. While focusing on his own sound Wes 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. They are promoting their fourth release , “The Capitalocene EP,” which arrives on April 10. Wes is a graduate of the University of Toronto's master's program in jazz performance and is now on faculty at the Victoria Conservatory of Music.
Wes Carroll Confabulation
Capitalocene Description:
On "The Capitalocene EP," the Wes Carroll Confabulation delivers four tracks that hold a mirror up to this moment. Moving through hip hop, soul, and roots, the music shapes a sound that's grounded but never stands still. In the collection, one story bleeds into the next: consumerism's grip, collective action's promise, the weight of corporate rule, what it means to be a good ancestor—and a medieval-feudal rebellion, because history is with us now.
Slide guitar drifts through the recordings, its metal thread weaving alongside the shimmer of vibraphones, percussive vocals, and the echo of guitar solos. The result is a soundscape that feels both urgent and reflective. The EP doesn't shy from contradiction—alongside its weighty themes, it finds room to parody capitalist advertising, reminding us that even our rebellions get scanned at checkout. So "head right down to your local convenience store" and give it a listen.
Helium (album #3)….
Release Date: April 10 on all platforms. Photo - Jen Wond, design - Lucas Bell
Helium is out on May 24th! Released through Flatcar Records. Photo taken by Seth Brooks.
◘ Full album “Helium” !! Stream it on various platforms.
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.
‘Helium’ 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 @juan_pablo_barba