Carol Lou Trio

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Jazz pianist Carol Lou Woodward, Richmond, Indiana, 2006. Photo by Nicolas S. Martin
Jazz pianist Carol Lou Woodward, Richmond, Indiana, 2006. Photo by Nicolas S. Martin

The Carol Lou Trio was a jazz combo which gained modest popularity in the mid-eastern United States during the 1970s, and international distribution of its few recordings. The group was headed by Carol Lou Hedges (b. May 20, 1931 in Peru, Indiana), whose upright and modest demeanor belied her piano virtuosity and swinging style. Husband and bassist John Hedges was the other permanent member of the group, with various drummers having been employed. The trio's reputation spread mostly by word of mouth, but it did release several singles.

Having remarried, Carol Lou Woodward continues to play as a soloist and in small combos in and around her home since 1957, Richmond, Indiana, In 2006 she released CD featuring solo piano arrangements of jazz and popular music standards, "An Evening With Carol Lou.". She has said that her favorite pianist is Gene Harris, whose style has been described as "hard-swinging, soulful, blues-drenched." Woodward's considerable talent might have carried her to greater recognition, but she chose instead to raise a family and live quietly.

[edit] Discography

The Carol Lou Trio

Singles (Released in the 1970s)

Carol Lou Woodward

"An Evening With Carol Lou, CD cover, 2006
"An Evening With Carol Lou, CD cover, 2006
"An Evening With Carol Lou" (2006, Privately issued compact disc)

Producer: Jeff Templeton

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ The composing of "After Hours" is miscredited on the record's label to "Lou Reed," which has led some to mistakenly associate the song and the Carol Lou Trio with rock musician Lou Reed. Collections including the recording are often promoted for sale based on this erroneous association. When asked in 2006, Carol Lou Woodward said she was unfamiliar with any musician or composer named Lou Reed.