Gypsy Carns

"The Watchman" (Trailer Trash; 2007)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Those who don't think Christian rock can be edgy and raw need do no more than listen to Gypsy Carns' "The Watchman." This is a record that will make you a believer. Heavily steeped in the spiritual, "The Watchman" plays a little like an older Ted Nugent release. The Detroit City Madman can get a little spiritual himself (think "Fred Bear") but Carns has got him beat with songs entitled "Sound the Trumpet," "Jerusalem in Ruins" "Pray for Love" and more. Carns has the same raw edge and heavy guitar sound that the Nuge puts to good effect, but Carns is a much better vocalist, almost in the old school bluesman style. The songs are written with fat chords, bluesy solos and hooks that are sharp but not too sweet. Amazingly, the lyrics don't seem like you're being preached to (most of the time) but rather move the song along rather brilliantly. Those who don't want to hear the message behind the music really don't have to. An irresistible listen throughout, "The Watchman" is highly recommended for everyone but especially fans of Christian rock with real bite. Performing on "The Watchman" are: Gypsy Carns - guitars, dobro, harmonica, vocals; Joe Scheibelhoffer - drums; Sean O' Bryan Smith - bass; Greg Morrow - drums; Mike Brignardello - bass).

Through this compilation CD on the Bongo Boy label you will soon discover that gospel music can sound pretty bluesy nowadays. The times that gospel music was only intended for events such as the EO Youth Day are gone forever because the bluesrock has also closed the gospel in the heart. On this collector are all bands and artists, who are still unknown in our country. But that makes listening to this cd a true discovery.
I therefore start with the highlights on this album. Your Sins Will Find You Out by Gypsy Carns is a steaming raw country blues, brought with the necessary Holy Fire.

On 10.12.18 Bongo Boy Records will Release 'Howl~O~Grim Vaz 1 by Various Ghouls and Goblins'. Emidio Vaz and Monique Grimme ( Bongo Boy Music Group) are very honored to represent behind the album cover so much talent and spooky excited as Halloween is for both of them their favorite Holiday Season. Here is an album review by Skopemag.com which was eblasted out to thousands of their subscribers on 10.11.18.

"Gypsy Carns is especially a man of faith and religious mysticism."

He is also a monster slide player in decorating the albums with his gritty - and at times fiery and emotional - licks and chops (his signature Dobro playing and Peavey Power Slide abilities are unparalleled). The guy would give the Rez Band guitar team of Kaiser and Stu Heiss a serious run for their money.

Gypsy Carns is an expert in dobro and twelve-string guitar. Besides, the way he plays with his slide has no waste, the sound he pulls out of his small cylindrical metal tube is clean and bright, a real gift for the ears.

Ten songs that were included on the album are actually very personal story itself for Gypsy . It is the members of his family , and the family is actually very interesting how he created it. His parents, wife and children, grandchildren, his sister, nephews and nieces. Just a theme dedicated to Robbin Thompson Gypsy's friend and musical partner.

Another detail of the CD is that the names of the songs are tributes to family and friends. "Angel Caroline" and "Moon & Stars" are dedicated to his wife, Caroline Carns. "Ezra Fire Wheel" honors the grandson Ezra Seale, while "Jacinda" is dedicated to his daughter, Jacinda Carns Seale.

I’m sure that you’ve heard of a one man band before with Gypsy this was a one man album with him taking full reins on the project writing all of the songs along with playing all of the instruments found on it. The list of instruments played is impressive from normal ones like, guitars, dobros, tambourine and harmonica to some more unusual ones like, rain stick, washboard and rattlesnake tails. Gypsy also decided that instead of using a traditional drum kit for the percussion parts he went with a stompbox along with American Indian and African drums.

Vigorous and spirited, the music of Prophet Azal really rocks, being especially recommended for fans of “AC/DC”, “Judas Priest”, “Stryper”, American Hard Rock in general, and Classic Heavy Metal of the German school. The sonority is a blend of Hard Rock and Classic Heavy Metal, with sturdy rhythm guitars, compact bass and drums, and thunderous slide guitar and strong vocals by Gypsy, who assumes the persona of Azal.