AZA - The General - The Blues Prophet - Gypsy Carns started performing in clubs in 1963 and making records in ‘66. He has anointed the United States, Japan, France, England,Germany, Italy, Amsterdam & The Netherlands,China, and Israel with his vocals, percussion, and 12-string Dobro bottleneck prowess. Carns is also known as a blues songwriter, co-penning a Koko Taylor tune with Fred James and Mary Ann Brandon that garnered 2 GRAMMY nominations. Blues Revue states: “Gypsy Carns, A one-man wrecking crew who plays a “stompbox” tambourine / kick drum combination, harp, 12-string resonator guitar….this is hammering, powerful stuff, driven by Carns’ energy and rough-hewn vocals”. Using the delta-blues musical format, Gypsy combines Messianic lyrics for a unique blend of authentic American music. His energy and commitment are evidenced through his powerful live performances.
1992 - 94
His current spiritual solo career began in 1992 in the coffee houses of Hollywood, CA. The Holy Spirit spoke to Gypsy about dedicating his life and music to the LORD. He half heartedly pondered these intimate conversations and wrote a couple of songs in praise that ended up on an Italian blues label release - The Smashers - "Loud Confident and Wrong" on Appaloosa Records in 1993.
1994
But with the major earthquake in Hollywood - January 17, 1994, the LORD spoke...and Gypsy listened. Two weeks later he moved to Nashville, TN and carried out his vision of spreading the Word regarding Yeshua and God's Kingdom, using the delta-blues as his musical format. In a referral from a local music store, Rock Block Guitars, Gypsy met Tabby “zeb” Crabb who owns and operates Flatwood Studios (www.flatwoodstudios.com). Tabby has become not only Gypsy's producer /engineer /vidoegrapher but his best friend and musical companion as well.
1995 - 99
Their first recordings began in ’95 and by ’99 had secured Gypsy’s first solo record deal in the Gospel Blues vein. Simply titled "Prayin Blues" on TTM Records the CD received excellent reviews.
2000
Gypsy's next album "Beale Street Swing" was released in the summer of 2000 on Nightfly Records and is currently being played on radio stations in 39 countries around the world. This album too received excellent reviews in the United States and abroad. Blues Access magazine states: “Giving thanks to Jesus for his inspiration, Carns’ sings in a dynamic, gravelly voice, truly laying it all on the line….whatever Carns sets out to say, he does it with admirable force and integrity…the tunes range from fine and fun blues originals to spiritual and metaphysical pieces that expose Carns’ zealous faith and his take on political events.”
2001
Gypsy’s next release, in 2001, "Revelation Blues" is currently being played on radio in the US and as far away as Peru, Spain, Indonesia, and Russia.
2002
In 2002 "G FoRcE" was released and is again receiving excellent airplay around the world and has been reviewed in "Cross Rhythms" magazine - the foremost Christian music magazine in Europe.
2003
This year saw the release of FEEL GOOD! Gypsy ventured to Paris, France where he performed with his trio The French Army (Zizou “The Boss” Sadki - bass and Stephane “Taz D”Cavanez – drums) and recorded the powerful electric live release - "Feel Good!" at the legendary House Of Live. The single “Searchin’” has been featured on 3 magazine compilation CD’s across the globe; Guitar & Basse - France, Cross Rhythms – England, and Blues Revue-USA. The Blues Preacher has been nominated for "Acoustic Artist of the Year" in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004 by The Music City Blues Society.
2004
In 2004 The Blues Preacher released 13 new songs on the all-acoustic, high-energy, foot-stompin’ CD “RAW WORD." This has been accepted world wide with excellent reviews featured on the site. "Dark Eternity" is the lead-in song for the new Christian reality series "The Mission" based out of Canada.
2005
Gypsy recorded two singles dealing with the Jewish nation and in particular Jerusalem. The DVD Wailing Wall can be seen on this site and has garnered excellent airplay in the states. The second single "Jerusalem In Ruins" is a warning to the Jewish nation to accept Yeshua as The Messiah or face the coming wrath of YHWH. Gypsy will perform in Jerusalem in August 2006 and deliver this message face to face with the city.
Spring of '06
"Gospel Train Coming" was released and it is a tribute to all the Masters - both bluesmen from the 1920's and 30's and present day prayer warriors who dedicate their lives to serving God and Jesus Christ with their music. Men like Blind Willie Johnson, Rev. Edward W. Clayborn, Son House, Rev. Gary Davis, Rev. Pearly Brown; women like Sister Rosetta Tharpe and a new generation of blues preachers like Glen Kaiser,Jimmie Bratcher, KM Williams and many others. The album includes 12 tracks all acoustic, performed on a 1940's Silvertone acoustic and two of Gypsy's favorite dobros. The record is released on TTM Records - experience this true acoustic spiritual journey! Download the tracks from this site under MUSIC or send an email for your free copy.
August - 2006
During his Jerusalem experience Gypsy was given a new song by The Holy Spirit to be added to the record. One of the songs "End Time Generation" is a tribute to a new generation of worshippers.
End Time Generation
A mighty hand comes from the East
A devastating loathsome beast.
A militant mind with a heart of coal
A body for destruction and a jihad soul.
End Time Generation
Revolutionary worship technique,
Pastor and the Rabbi let the congregation speak.
A piercing generation with a brand new look,
Bring a total dedication to the Holy Book.
End Time Generation / End Time Generation
Time is short, but time still is,
Yeshua is Messiah - accept and live.
The Watchman sound the trumpet August 17, '06,
Let the Jewish nation rise from this apocalypse, this apocalypse!
End Times Generation / End Times Generation
End Time Generation / End Time Generation
End Time Generation - Generation
Special thanks to Richard Frieden and Gilad Yosian from The JAMM ministries in Jerusalem. They documented this historic occasion of AZA (Gypsy's Hebrew name pronounced ahh-ZAHHH) performing, street preaching,and doing what he does best - Matthew 24:14 - And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
2007
FEBRUARY - APRIL
Gypsy recorded 12 tracks for his next release - The Watchman. The Blues Messenger enlisted the help of musical friends - Mike Brignardello & Sean O.B. Smith on bass and Greg Morrow & Joe Schobelhoffer on drums. Due to the closure of Flatwood Studios in Tennessee (now located in Leslie, Georgia) Gypsy began work with Brad Vosburg - a talented engineer and producer from Hollywood, California. Recently moving to Nashville and opening Fox Mountain Studios (www.foxmountainproductions.com) What a great studio Fox Mountian is and Brad has the hot hand for Pro Tools.
JUNE
Gypsy traveled with his band The Apostles Of Sound to appear at the CORNERSTONE FESTIVAL in Peoria, Illinois.
JULY
The new record is released and available at www.indieheaven.com
AUGUST
The Apostles Of Sound travel to Charleston, South Carolina to headline the East Coast Christian Motorcycle Festival.
SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER
MOHR MANAGEMENT ( http://www.mohrmanagement.com/ ) has inked a management deal with General Gypsy Carns to take his career to the next level. Gypsy is working with Keith and legendary Music Biz illuminary - Sue Ross - to garner plans for the next big P.R. push - stay tuned for some exciting developments!
2008
JANUARY-FEBRUARY
The LORD has sent Gypsy to a new job and a new musical destiny. He and wife Caroline have moved to Meridian, Mississippi. Gypsy is working for Peavey Electronics in the Custom Guitar Factory. His music ministry is taking a break while he concentrates on making some excellent guitars. Stay tuned to see how the LORD will work in Gypsy's life this year.
APRIL-MAY
Indieheaven is the largest independent Christian Music organization on the planet. Once a year they have the Momentum Awards. Voting is done by the Indieheaven members and a board made up of Christian Music Business professionals. This year Gypsy won BLUES ARTIST OF THE YEAR ! His ministry has led him to Meridian, Mississippi where he continues to work for Peavey Electronics. He and wife Caroline, who teaches classical ballet, attend Central United Mehtodist Church. Gypsy is starting to perfrom in various churhes and clubs in the area and is also working on his next record entitled "Mississippi Nights."
