Carrie Marshall

Huntersville resident Carrie Marshall is grateful life landed her near Charlotte.

Marshall is the 2010 first-place winner of the N.C. Songwriter's Co-Op competition, with her songs "Queen City" and "Gone."

Marshall claims she was an introvert and reluctantly began performing at age 8. Growing up, her father was a pastor in the Boston area, and Marshall was encouraged to start playing for church services.

Marshall said her love for the performing arts took off when her mother began teaching her piano and she began singing. She started performing in musical theater, and by the time she entered high school she had begun writing songs.

For 10 years, Marshall toured as a lead vocalist and keyboardist with a Boston band. She attended a university in Massachusetts, where she earned degrees in music and education. She married, taught music and was a third-grade teacher until her daughter was born (Marshall is mother to her daughter, 12, and twin 9-year-old boys).

After her husband's job transfer, Marshall's life landed her in Nashville, Tenn. Taking advantage of living in the Music City, Marshall began performing in clubs around town.

"You have to have a thick skin living in Nashville," said Marshall. "There is a lot of competition and rejection; however, I met many songwriters and received a lot of beneficial feedback."

Marshall took advantage of the opportunities life handed her to work with many talented instrumentalists and songwriters in Nashville.

Almost three years ago, Marshall found herself moving to the Charlotte area. She and her family quickly felt at home with the friendly, welcoming environment of the Lake Norman area.

"What I like about Charlotte is that the people are genuine and there is openness here," she said. "There is a strong entrepreneurial spirit. People are proud to be here, and it shows."

Marshall began networking with musicians and songwriters in the area and found them friendly and helpful. She said she found both the musicians and songwriters in Nashville and the people in Charlotte very helpful.

Marshall's passion for Charlotte comes out in her award-winning song "Queen City." She sings, "'Cause I feel like a King in the Queen City, where my hopes and opportunities meet. I may be new in Queen City, but it's already home to me."

She said she was inspired to write "Gone" after experiencing a rainy weekend in Ashville. Marshall has the unique ability to express her experiences, moods and relationships through her lyrics. She said she enjoys outdoor activities such as walking, hiking and just enjoying nature.

Marshall currently teaches private voice lessons out of her home and continues to perform around the area. She has performed in a variety of venues including the Yn Café in Charlotte, the Old Town Blues and Jazz Festival and Theater Charlotte.

Kelly J. Miller is a freelance writer who lives in Cornelius.
- Charlotte Observer (Lake Norman News)

Huntersville resident Carrie Marshall is grateful life landed her near Charlotte.

Marshall is the 2010 first-place winner of the N.C. Songwriter's Co-Op competition, with her songs "Queen City" and "Gone."

Marshall claims she was an introvert and reluctantly began performing at age 8. Growing up, her father was a pastor in the Boston area, and Marshall was encouraged to start playing for church services.

Marshall said her love for the performing arts took off when her mother began teaching her piano and she began singing. She started performing in musical theater, and by the time she entered high school she had begun writing songs.

For 10 years, Marshall toured as a lead vocalist and keyboardist with a Boston band. She attended a university in Massachusetts, where she earned degrees in music and education. She married, taught music and was a third-grade teacher until her daughter was born (Marshall is mother to her daughter, 12, and twin 9-year-old boys).

After her husband's job transfer, Marshall's life landed her in Nashville, Tenn. Taking advantage of living in the Music City, Marshall began performing in clubs around town.

"You have to have a thick skin living in Nashville," said Marshall. "There is a lot of competition and rejection; however, I met many songwriters and received a lot of beneficial feedback."

Marshall took advantage of the opportunities life handed her to work with many talented instrumentalists and songwriters in Nashville.

Almost three years ago, Marshall found herself moving to the Charlotte area. She and her family quickly felt at home with the friendly, welcoming environment of the Lake Norman area.

"What I like about Charlotte is that the people are genuine and there is openness here," she said. "There is a strong entrepreneurial spirit. People are proud to be here, and it shows."

Marshall began networking with musicians and songwriters in the area and found them friendly and helpful. She said she found both the musicians and songwriters in Nashville and the people in Charlotte very helpful.

Marshall's passion for Charlotte comes out in her award-winning song "Queen City." She sings, "'Cause I feel like a King in the Queen City, where my hopes and opportunities meet. I may be new in Queen City, but it's already home to me."

She said she was inspired to write "Gone" after experiencing a rainy weekend in Ashville. Marshall has the unique ability to express her experiences, moods and relationships through her lyrics. She said she enjoys outdoor activities such as walking, hiking and just enjoying nature.

Marshall currently teaches private voice lessons out of her home and continues to perform around the area. She has performed in a variety of venues including the Yn Café in Charlotte, the Old Town Blues and Jazz Festival and Theater Charlotte.

Kelly J. Miller is a freelance writer who lives in Cornelius.
- Charlotte Observer (Lake Norman News)

There is little doubt fans will get lost inside the array of refreshing vocal arrangements. Her fresh and clean vibe is ideal for a romantic dinner or an evening backdrop with close friends.

The aptly titled HOME features eleven tracks. Each song captures Marshall's signature jazz style laced with hints of R&B. "Thoughts Unspoken" puts the listener in mind of a smoky Havana bar, complete with sweat-stained suits and wicker ceiling fans. The imagery continues with "Twelve Trinity Square" and "Let the Heavens Say", with the exquisite singer tickling the ivories at the grand piano.

"Seven After Eleven" and "Sunny Day" have a mellow tone, reminiscent of fellow North Carolinian James Taylor. "Red Rose" incorporates a sultry, seductive feel with a touch of the blues.

Surprisingly, the standard "Over the Moon" was written in 2013, not 1940 as some might assume, with its reminiscent jazz standard, classic feel. Inspired by the birth of Marshall's nephew, there are clever references to the old nursery rhyme “Hey, Diddle, Diddle” woven within this feel-good, love song.

"Don't Forget About Me", is a rousing samba-like treat, including saxophone and guitar interludes. You can almost see the artist smiling while performing "Sentimental Journey", (a tribute to the Andrew Sisters) and "Carry On", although both share old memories and wintery seasons.

"There's A Long, Long Trail" is the perfect final page of a scrapbook full of musical photographs. Originally written in 1913, the artist gives this WW1 era song her own stylistic twist, while recalling days as a preacher's kid, playing out of tune pianos in old, musty church foyers.

An award-winning ensemble makes the difference. Jim Brock, a legendary percussionist, drummer and producer, produced and mixed the album. Bassist Terry Peoples assisted with arranging songs along with guitarist Van Sachs, who was the first to introduce Marshall to the Charlotte music scene. Brad Bailey, yet another collaborator and frequent performing partner, lent his talent on guitar to many of the tracks. Craig Nelson can be heard on the upright bass. Nashville producer, songwriter and guitarist Paul Buono, added his touch by recording vocals, guitar and added production as well as co-writing a couple tunes. Saxophonist Gabriel Bello, keyboardist Mark Stallings and and Nashville
Symphony Flugelhorn player, Steven Patrick rounded out finishing touches.

Simply put, both followers and newcomers will be happy to add selections to their audio libraries. Carrie Marshall delivers. These days that's hard to find, but it’s definitely something to write home about.

--Chris Montgomery
Big Hat Larry’s
October 17, 2013
- Big Hat Larry's

There is little doubt fans will get lost inside the array of refreshing vocal arrangements. Her fresh and clean vibe is ideal for a romantic dinner or an evening backdrop with close friends.

The aptly titled HOME features eleven tracks. Each song captures Marshall's signature jazz style laced with hints of R&B. "Thoughts Unspoken" puts the listener in mind of a smoky Havana bar, complete with sweat-stained suits and wicker ceiling fans. The imagery continues with "Twelve Trinity Square" and "Let the Heavens Say", with the exquisite singer tickling the ivories at the grand piano.

"Seven After Eleven" and "Sunny Day" have a mellow tone, reminiscent of fellow North Carolinian James Taylor. "Red Rose" incorporates a sultry, seductive feel with a touch of the blues.

Surprisingly, the standard "Over the Moon" was written in 2013, not 1940 as some might assume, with its reminiscent jazz standard, classic feel. Inspired by the birth of Marshall's nephew, there are clever references to the old nursery rhyme “Hey, Diddle, Diddle” woven within this feel-good, love song.

"Don't Forget About Me", is a rousing samba-like treat, including saxophone and guitar interludes. You can almost see the artist smiling while performing "Sentimental Journey", (a tribute to the Andrew Sisters) and "Carry On", although both share old memories and wintery seasons.

"There's A Long, Long Trail" is the perfect final page of a scrapbook full of musical photographs. Originally written in 1913, the artist gives this WW1 era song her own stylistic twist, while recalling days as a preacher's kid, playing out of tune pianos in old, musty church foyers.

An award-winning ensemble makes the difference. Jim Brock, a legendary percussionist, drummer and producer, produced and mixed the album. Bassist Terry Peoples assisted with arranging songs along with guitarist Van Sachs, who was the first to introduce Marshall to the Charlotte music scene. Brad Bailey, yet another collaborator and frequent performing partner, lent his talent on guitar to many of the tracks. Craig Nelson can be heard on the upright bass. Nashville producer, songwriter and guitarist Paul Buono, added his touch by recording vocals, guitar and added production as well as co-writing a couple tunes. Saxophonist Gabriel Bello, keyboardist Mark Stallings and and Nashville
Symphony Flugelhorn player, Steven Patrick rounded out finishing touches.

Simply put, both followers and newcomers will be happy to add selections to their audio libraries. Carrie Marshall delivers. These days that's hard to find, but it’s definitely something to write home about.

--Chris Montgomery
Big Hat Larry’s
October 17, 2013
- Big Hat Larry's

Although Huntersville transplant Carrie Marshall (who has lived in Boston, Nashville, Las Vegas and points west) arrived here only four years ago, she’s already made quite an impression in the local music scene.

One of her original songs, the Charlotte-inspired “Queen City,” won first place in the Raleigh-based N.C. Songwriters Co-op Competition in 2010, and last fall she was voted by the Carolina Entertainment Network as one of the top four vocalists in the Charlotte area. Moreover, she has performed at such high-profile events as the 2012 Democratic National Convention, Charlotte’s Festival in the Park and The Rock Hill Jazz and Blues Festival. Her new yet-to-be-titled album will be released in May.

Marshall says she felt right at home here when she and her family moved to Huntersville in 2009. The couple has a 14-year-old daughter and 11-year-old twin sons.

“I love it here,” says Marshall. “The water is so soothing. This is a place you can really disconnect from the business of life. It’s a place of peace.”

Peace is important to the busy mom, singer/songwriter and actress, who describes her sound as “Adele meets Norah Jones.” Like Jones, Marshall plays the piano, but she laughs that her singing voice is “much louder” than Jones’. Marshall, who first started performing when she was 8, also counts jazz greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James and Julie London as among main influences. Similar to those legends, Marshall considers her style “romantic and classic.”

She regularly performs around the Lake Norman area at venues such as The Wine Cellar, and she has a semiregular gig at Crave Dessert Bar in uptown Charlotte. She’s also frequently booked for private galas at venues like the Mint Museum and the Levine Museum of the New South.

Her new album will likely contain all originals songs, although she’s toying with the idea of including George Gershwin’s “Summertime” from “Porgy & Bess,” one of her all-time favorite tunes. Her last album, Redemption, yielded the song “When Love Was Green,” which made it to the semifinals of the BBC’s songwriting competition in 2008.

Her most recent award for her song “Queen City” was a special point of pride for her. The song is somewhat autobiographical—a hopeful and optimistic tune about someone new to the area who thinks she can make a life here.

It’s a sweet reward for someone who’s worked slowly and steadily at her craft. “I worked on my first CD for a year and a half while my twins were babies,” she says. “I encourage everyone to pursue what makes them happy. If you’re not doing what you love, find a way to do it. Baby steps are what it takes.”

Carrie Marshall’s East Coast tour this summer will include stops in New York and her native Boston. Catch her next at The Wine Cellar in Cornelius on April 20. For additional information go to www.carriemarshall.net

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/04/02/3955325/let-the-music-play.html#storylink=cpy - Charlotte Observer (Lake Norman Magazine)

Although Huntersville transplant Carrie Marshall (who has lived in Boston, Nashville, Las Vegas and points west) arrived here only four years ago, she’s already made quite an impression in the local music scene.

One of her original songs, the Charlotte-inspired “Queen City,” won first place in the Raleigh-based N.C. Songwriters Co-op Competition in 2010, and last fall she was voted by the Carolina Entertainment Network as one of the top four vocalists in the Charlotte area. Moreover, she has performed at such high-profile events as the 2012 Democratic National Convention, Charlotte’s Festival in the Park and The Rock Hill Jazz and Blues Festival. Her new yet-to-be-titled album will be released in May.

Marshall says she felt right at home here when she and her family moved to Huntersville in 2009. The couple has a 14-year-old daughter and 11-year-old twin sons.

“I love it here,” says Marshall. “The water is so soothing. This is a place you can really disconnect from the business of life. It’s a place of peace.”

Peace is important to the busy mom, singer/songwriter and actress, who describes her sound as “Adele meets Norah Jones.” Like Jones, Marshall plays the piano, but she laughs that her singing voice is “much louder” than Jones’. Marshall, who first started performing when she was 8, also counts jazz greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James and Julie London as among main influences. Similar to those legends, Marshall considers her style “romantic and classic.”

She regularly performs around the Lake Norman area at venues such as The Wine Cellar, and she has a semiregular gig at Crave Dessert Bar in uptown Charlotte. She’s also frequently booked for private galas at venues like the Mint Museum and the Levine Museum of the New South.

Her new album will likely contain all originals songs, although she’s toying with the idea of including George Gershwin’s “Summertime” from “Porgy & Bess,” one of her all-time favorite tunes. Her last album, Redemption, yielded the song “When Love Was Green,” which made it to the semifinals of the BBC’s songwriting competition in 2008.

Her most recent award for her song “Queen City” was a special point of pride for her. The song is somewhat autobiographical—a hopeful and optimistic tune about someone new to the area who thinks she can make a life here.

It’s a sweet reward for someone who’s worked slowly and steadily at her craft. “I worked on my first CD for a year and a half while my twins were babies,” she says. “I encourage everyone to pursue what makes them happy. If you’re not doing what you love, find a way to do it. Baby steps are what it takes.”

Carrie Marshall’s East Coast tour this summer will include stops in New York and her native Boston. Catch her next at The Wine Cellar in Cornelius on April 20. For additional information go to www.carriemarshall.net

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/04/02/3955325/let-the-music-play.html#storylink=cpy - Charlotte Observer (Lake Norman Magazine)

Does an evening listening to a mix of Norah Jones meets Adele sound like a nice way to unwind for the weekend?
How about adding in an intimate setting with wine and dinner? If the answer is yes, you won’t have to drive far or pay for a pricey ticket, not yet, that is.
Carrie Marshall came to Charlotte’s growing music scene in 2009. The jazz singing, piano player delivers a classic and romantic style that’s gaining popularity locally. She put roots down with her husband and three children in Huntersville. Marshall came to Charlotte after spending 4 ½ years in Nashville when her husband was transferred. Carrie’s father, a pastor, put her in front of the congregation to sing when she was eight. Her talent began to blossom in high school and she began writing her own songs in college.
While Carrie was in Nashville she was asked several times to go tour but couldn’t leave her young family. Carrie decided to learn everything she could from Nashville. “In Nashville everyone is talented,” says Marshall. “You can sing seven nights a week there if you want to,” she says. “I had several people in Nashville tell me I needed to choose to be a songwriter or an artist. I felt I was both,” says Carrie. Many times she was asked to do songs that didn’t fit her image or age group. “It’s important to stay true to yourself and your talent in the music business,” says Carrie. “Living in Nashville and getting multiple rejections grew me as a person. Nashville makes your prove yourself and there’s freedom in that,” she says.
Carrie wrote several songs and met Tom Douglas, well-known and respected artist of songs like “Little Rock” by Collin Raye and “Love’s the Only House” by Martina McBride. Douglas offered advice and encouragement. “There were so many premier writers in Nashville,” says Carrie, “I had so many people tell me, ‘You’re not crazy! Don’t give up!’”
“Jazz is easy for me to sing,” says Carrie. Carrie plays piano as well but stops before calling herself a “jazz piano player” inferring that jazz musicians are highly skilled. “I’m more of a jazz singer that plays the piano,” says Carrie.
“Everyone in Charlotte is so willing to collaborate and work together. There is great camaraderie here.” Carrie says, “Charlotte feels like home to me.” Charlotte inspired Carrie so much that she wrote a song called “Queen City”. Her inspiration paid off. The song won first place in the North Carolina Songwriters Competition based in Raleigh in 2010. Since then the Carolina Entertainment Network voted Carrie as one of the top four vocalists in the Charlotte area.
Carrie says that once the ball started rolling, it was hard to stop. Brandon Crumpton, a booking agent for Key Signature Entertainment, heard her sing at an event in Matthews. “Brandon helped me get great exposure at events in Charlotte,” says Carrie. Success continues to roll for Carrie. Hush Puppy Media, a high caliber production company in Raleigh put together her first video, “I’ll Be Alright”. Carrie’s Christian album, Redemption, is doing well on iTunes and a new album, produced by Jim Brock, will be released at the end of September.
Carrie is branching out and broadening her reach also playing Casey Davis, a psychologist, a part in an independent movie called “Changeover”. She is also writing a song for the movie coming out in September.
If you would like to see Carrie Marshall perform live find a full calendar of her schedule at carriemarshall.net.

Laura Fenton Pidge - Fort Mill Magazine

Does an evening listening to a mix of Norah Jones meets Adele sound like a nice way to unwind for the weekend?
How about adding in an intimate setting with wine and dinner? If the answer is yes, you won’t have to drive far or pay for a pricey ticket, not yet, that is.
Carrie Marshall came to Charlotte’s growing music scene in 2009. The jazz singing, piano player delivers a classic and romantic style that’s gaining popularity locally. She put roots down with her husband and three children in Huntersville. Marshall came to Charlotte after spending 4 ½ years in Nashville when her husband was transferred. Carrie’s father, a pastor, put her in front of the congregation to sing when she was eight. Her talent began to blossom in high school and she began writing her own songs in college.
While Carrie was in Nashville she was asked several times to go tour but couldn’t leave her young family. Carrie decided to learn everything she could from Nashville. “In Nashville everyone is talented,” says Marshall. “You can sing seven nights a week there if you want to,” she says. “I had several people in Nashville tell me I needed to choose to be a songwriter or an artist. I felt I was both,” says Carrie. Many times she was asked to do songs that didn’t fit her image or age group. “It’s important to stay true to yourself and your talent in the music business,” says Carrie. “Living in Nashville and getting multiple rejections grew me as a person. Nashville makes your prove yourself and there’s freedom in that,” she says.
Carrie wrote several songs and met Tom Douglas, well-known and respected artist of songs like “Little Rock” by Collin Raye and “Love’s the Only House” by Martina McBride. Douglas offered advice and encouragement. “There were so many premier writers in Nashville,” says Carrie, “I had so many people tell me, ‘You’re not crazy! Don’t give up!’”
“Jazz is easy for me to sing,” says Carrie. Carrie plays piano as well but stops before calling herself a “jazz piano player” inferring that jazz musicians are highly skilled. “I’m more of a jazz singer that plays the piano,” says Carrie.
“Everyone in Charlotte is so willing to collaborate and work together. There is great camaraderie here.” Carrie says, “Charlotte feels like home to me.” Charlotte inspired Carrie so much that she wrote a song called “Queen City”. Her inspiration paid off. The song won first place in the North Carolina Songwriters Competition based in Raleigh in 2010. Since then the Carolina Entertainment Network voted Carrie as one of the top four vocalists in the Charlotte area.
Carrie says that once the ball started rolling, it was hard to stop. Brandon Crumpton, a booking agent for Key Signature Entertainment, heard her sing at an event in Matthews. “Brandon helped me get great exposure at events in Charlotte,” says Carrie. Success continues to roll for Carrie. Hush Puppy Media, a high caliber production company in Raleigh put together her first video, “I’ll Be Alright”. Carrie’s Christian album, Redemption, is doing well on iTunes and a new album, produced by Jim Brock, will be released at the end of September.
Carrie is branching out and broadening her reach also playing Casey Davis, a psychologist, a part in an independent movie called “Changeover”. She is also writing a song for the movie coming out in September.
If you would like to see Carrie Marshall perform live find a full calendar of her schedule at carriemarshall.net.

Laura Fenton Pidge - Fort Mill Magazine