WashU Jazz Series: Carolbeth True-Two Times True
Two Times True is an instrumental jazz and jazz/rock quartet that formed in 2007, thanks to our dear friend and former president of Victoria Records Bill Becker, who liked the family connection within the group. The instrumentation is Carolbeth True—piano and keys; Dave True—drums; Glen Smith—bass; and Larry Johnson—saxophones. The group has performed at many festivals and concerts in the area, and is often joined by Kim Fuller on vocals. Kim Fuller is a St. Louis treasure, having worked for many years with the Galaxy Band. Now Kim and the trio are also members of The Oikos Ensemble, and Kim and Carolbeth are members of the cast of The Jazz Story—the original educational offering at The Sheldon.
Biographies
Pianist Carolbeth True has been a very active member of the St. Louis musical community as a teacher/coach and performer. She is a long-time member of the Webster University music faculty, also doing extensive private teaching; an original member of the cast of “The Jazz Story” at the Sheldon, just finishing 27th season. She was also the pianist for the Missouri Music Program created by Paul Reuter, formerly Sheldon executive director, which presented, around the eastern part of the state, all styles of music composed and performed by Missouri musicians. She was pianist with Variety Children’s Theatre doing all rehearsals and shows for 10 years, as well as many years with The Muny—rehearsals and orchestra pianist. Her group Two Times True, with Dave True on drums, Larry Johnson—saxophones, and Glen Smith—bass performs around the St. Louis area in festivals and services. The group is heard on multiple recordings: “Two Times True” (2007), Larry Johnson’s “Circles” and “I’m Just Sayin’ “ and released “True Christmas”-- a cd of jazz/contemporary settings of Christmas carols and hymns, in 2018. The Carolbeth Trio, with Glen Smith—bass and Kevin Gianino—drums is heard on the cd “True” as well as with vocalist Debby Lennon on her cd “I’m All Smiles”. Carolbeth is a member of The Oikos Ensemble directed by saxophonist/ Reverend Cliff Aerie. She has backed many name jazz artists, performed a dozen concertos with various orchestras 1991-2005. Her awards include: Excellence in the Arts Award from Arts and Education Council; Riverfront Times Jazz Musician of the Year; St. Louis Musician of the Year by St. Louis Magazine; Rock Hill Citizen of the Year. Carolbeth is in her 13th year as rehearsal and performance pianist for the MCDA Jazz Vocal Ensemble, having worked with top world-renowned jazz vocal names including this past year’s director and clinician Mike Engelhardt and this year’s, Janice Vlachos.
Dave True started playing the drums at the age of two. He studied drums with Kevin Gianino and classical percussion with Chris Treloar throughout his school years in St. Louis. Dave performed with the Parkway Central Marching Colts in the Rose Bowl Parade and the Macy’s Day Parade. As a percussionist, David performed with the Washington University Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dan Presgrave. As a drum set artist, David was involved in the All-Suburban jazz band and also performed with his own group, formerly known as the TrueJazz Quintet. Before leaving St. Louis, Dave received the prestigious Louis Armstrong Jazz Award.
Dave True continued his own studies at DePaul University in Chicago, receiving a music business degree. Upon returning to St. Louis, he began working for Commerce Bank and was with that organization for 15 years in multiple capacities. Recently, Dave has developed his own company: Shield Pro Home Services, where he offers his skills in maintenance and repair. Musically, he plays with the stellar party band Fanfare, the Concordia Kirkwood Praise Band, the Oikos Ensemble, and of course Two Times True. He and his wife Kelly have two wonderful children: Ava and Logan.
Glen Smith was born into a home where music was always playing, and everyone in the family played an instrument. Glen took up the guitar when he was 12 years old and shortly thereafter was performing at parties and dances in a band with his Father. Glen went to college to study music theory and classical guitar before leaving to travel with a number of national touring acts. Glen returned to St. Louis, where he spent years as an A-List bass player, working shows for star performers at the Fox Theatre, Powell Hall, and other venues.
Glen is humbled to have been able to play with some of the finest musicians in the world who live and work right here in St. Louis, including the pianist Carolbeth True, guitarist Eric Slaughter, trumpeter Jim Manley, and many others.
Larry Johnson is a highly regarded saxophone player and mentor. In the area of education, he won the Outstanding Teacher Award from the Archdiocese in 2004; has been nominated eight times for “Who’s Who Among American Teachers”; is band director at St. Joseph’s School in Cottleville and St. Dominic High School jazz band director.
Larry has been a professional musician for 35 years, his longest association being with Jim Manley’s groups Fantasy and Wild Cool and Swingin’; and Charley Boehme’s Charley B Jazz. He has performed with Two Times True, now in its 19th year, since 2007. Larry is on the 2007 cd TWO TIMES TRUE; and his own releases CIRCLES and I’M JUST SAYIN.