"I hope that I will find others that revere musical expression to level that affords it the wage it deserves, the live presentation that resonates to “warm the soul”, and the respect it humbly demands as a gift that unites all – from Heaven to all creation."

Carrie Lyn: Peace, Hope, Love & Joy 

Carrie Lyn came to be known as "that Violynist" because her performances left people touched and so they would want her to know they ”never heard a violin played like that” before -or sometimes someone would call out -“Hey, you’re that violinist!! “The more expressive she played the more people would get excited and compliment and comment to her or to one another on her vivacious dynamic stage performance style. So, without yet being a known artist she - “that Violinist” - went with it!!  With her middle name “Lyn” and that violin under her chin, Carrie Lyn became “that Violynist” which gives her just enough room to define herself among other violinists. God-fearin’ faith and an unique gift of moving people musically, Carrie Lyn knows that this extremely satisfying blessing of being a professional music artist comes with responsibility. Good music expression is our universal love language - a musicians’ talent is a vocation, a valuable art, entertainment, as well as hospitality; she is a musicians’ advocate. Playing music to bring people closer to each other in Peace, Hope, Love, and Joy - giving God the glory - and thanking Him for the  talent in the field of music, she maintains a professional business relationship as a band leader, fellow musician, artist,  bandmate, and friend.

The path to Carrie Lyn Infusion is a combination of symphonic, improvisational, and life exploration. Life’s an experience … and her lyrics as well as the sounds from “that violyn” as Carrie Lyn passionately goes about personally playing the audience’s heart-strings; she will draw you into the show until you feel apart of her - like family! She says if we live it- we can explore it - we can sing though it - and so her music entertains in a genuine, sometimes humorous, but always sensitive way, while delivering a gutsy grass-roots down home vibe.  Riding the sound waves every chance she gets, Carrie Lyn has performed with a number of legendary artists that have been gracious in sharing a stage with her. It is quite satisfying to be in the company of “stars” whose music is known by the whole world, but then for a moment the notes shared belong just to the ears that heard - played with great artistry and distinctive musicianship that no other combination of people could ever repeat -a fantastic INFUSION - a word defined as the point at which “soul” is received. Carrie Lyn brings that feeling of being in an exclusive concert that if but for a moment from her fingertips to the words on her lips she might share - “that Violynist” Carrie Lyn Infusion - performing with her bandmates in the WARM MY SOUL TOUR - “keepin’ the VIBE LIVE - with the magic of the stage, music for the moment, and the gift of living in…

Interview by Michael Limnios

When was your first desire to become involved in the music and special to fiddle and what does music offered you?

School offered orchestra one year before band – as I wanted to play flute like my grandfather. In effort to have me play sooner than later my father wanted me to take violin because he thought there would be more variety and opportunities than with viola or cello as my second and first choice. By 5^th grade I was playing alongside students at DePaul University School of Music and later attended earning my degree on full scholarship. My fundamentals were rooted in the pedagogy of the world renown – Mary Kay Rosen – and her prize students that taught her method. Because of this foundation I could play whatever music my heart desired and so “that Violynist” is the title I have claimed as I “speak” in several styles of music. The music then allows me to be alive in the Spirit, and in love with the people who care to play music together or just listen.

How do you describe Carrie Lyn sound and songbook?

When I discovered the personal gift I was given beyond what I could practice or retain in memory I found “that Violynist” Carrie Lyn Infusion! The word “INFUSION” is the point as which we receive our soul and it is the “SOUL” level I am able to hear and respond to innately. Beyond improvisation is a place within that takes communication to a selfless degree. I so respect the talent and the gifts of others musically that it will never be about me – only the glory of the Giver and the combination in the moment of the other souls one gets to make music with!

What characterize your music philosophy?

I am only a student in this life – any expertise you might witness is the Lord allowing me to hold the instrument while he plays it.

"The power of people – we play our BLUES the blues don’t play us!! When you have the ability to confess with music and feel the fellowship of your brother and sister in the room you find yourself again." (Photo by Mike Newby)

Which is the most interesting period in your life?

I hope it has not come – as exciting as it has been I wish to think it will continue. Much can be said here but I will be holding onto a few nuggets.

Which was the best and worst moment of your career?

To date the worst part is to see the value of music performance to be a defensive street sport. Independent artists (commercial artist are purchased for business portfolios and are not in the same group) are giving themselves a nasty downward spiral of allowing their art no compensation and in some cases paying venues to feature them – and in turn the music will devolve into regurgitated noise. Anytime I am able to play where people feel the need to dance with me and kiss me – that is the performance level that is better than any award!!

Which meetings have been the most important experiences for you?

Each person that comes and goes in life’s crossroads is there to either bless you or to make you real aware of where there is no blessing! So every character in the story is crucially important to becoming who you are.

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

A clear vision when I was a first year violin student – I looked out the huge window in the living room where I was practicing at home and saw a huge outdoor stadium with stage and lights and stadium seats forever and I shook!  He said I need you to play for me – and I said I only know up to TWINKLE – He said I will give you the notes – just keep playing - Everything after that point falls into “keep playing” – and I yes I have been blessed to play with so many – and although some would think this is a good place to list so called notable names, we are all on the same plain – life – and I will expound in the future.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of past?

Nothing -because our technology has allowed us to retain it and listen to it in its original presentation on the web. I do miss the “what” the past in music expression did not have which is apart of our experience now – saturation of media. We have all that came before, with all that is, with all the copies, covers, and incarnations clogging an organic flow of fresh musical expression. Please note – I did not say “new”, I said fresh!

"I am only a student in this life – any expertise you might witness is the Lord allowing me to hold the instrument while he plays it." (Photo: Carrie Lyn & Terry Mason,  jammin on stage, 2014)

What are your hopes and fears for the future of music?

I hope that I will find others that revere musical expression to level that affords it the wage it deserves, the live presentation that resonates to “warm the soul”, and the respect it humbly demands as a gift that unites all – from Heaven to all creation.

What are the lines that connect the legacy of Blues with Country and continue to Jazz and Rock music?

All the lines in music have been blurred- 3 chords and your truth and take out the 3^rd and add 7^th, 9^th, and so on for Jazz! Marketing likes to box commodities and get them on the right shelf!!  A musician can play anything – a “player” can only play what he’/she plays – and when you believe the Lord gives the gift of musical expression – dividing and segregating is not as much fun as making music with musicians that can express themselves and tell their story with their instrument with others who can do the same. The human experience then becomes the colors we hear and taste. Human experience is the lines that connect music. Sometimes there are words and sometimes you can only allow the sounds available to you to describe your soul’s journey to the best of your ability.

What does to be a female artist in a “Man’s World” as James Brown says?

When you are a “MAN” you have a “MAN’s WORLD”, but as a WOMAN – you have both if you find the right man!   Love James for his business ideals and of course music – especially if the movie of late was a correct portrayal! You have to know your “WHY” – don’t wonder “WHY” – ask – just like when we were all children we were smart enough to ask – “WHY” – We have what we need to be a success if we understand why and proceed and – BRING IT – with the WHEREFORES!! If you put a value on something – there it will be!!

What is the status of women in Blues?

Great! We understand it - we can whisper it - growl it - stomp it - serve it hot - cold - or in yo lap! Come and get it!

"The Blues is a music family that knows your best and worst and still accepts you if you humbly and honestly present yourself. (Photo: Carrie & Buddy Guy)

What is the best advice ever given you?

I paraphrase: Give God the Gory and your neighbor the same as what you expect for yourself!

What do you learn about yourself from the blues?

The power of people – we play our BLUES the blues don’t play us!! When you have the ability to confess with music and feel the fellowship of your brother and sister in the room you find yourself again.

What does the blues mean to you?

The Blues is a music family that knows your best and worst and still accepts you if you humbly and honestly present yourself. 

What has made you laugh lately and what touched (emotionally) you from the music circuits?

The humor (that I can repeat) for me has been the idea that only “Legacy” or “Tribute” groups should earn a spot on the Main Stage – because if you don’t introduce the evolved fresh talent alongside you will have a break in music history and no known talent to generate the value forward. The thought that we impersonate our memories instead of looking forward to the joy in making more and more new and awesome ones is a sad place. Every day is new and has a new song! We are getting behind in living that live performance!

Let’s take a trip with a time machine, so where and why would you really wanna go for a whole day..?

Jam with the Sheppards on that O Holy Night to see the sky open with Angels singing. Everything else is on YouTube and does not require time machine.

Carrie Lyn - Official website