Tony Carr, born George Caruana in Valletta, Malta in 1927, is a retired drummer and percussionist whose contributions to jazz and popular music have left an indelible mark on both the Maltese and international music scenes. After emigrating to the UK in 1952, Carr went on to work with some of the biggest names in music, including Ella Fitzgerald, Paul McCartney, and Sixto Rodriguez. Despite his immense contributions, much of his legacy remains underappreciated—until now.
A new documentary titled Strait Street to Abbey Road premiered on October 10, 2024, at Spazju Kreattiv Cinema in Malta, shedding light on Carr’s remarkable journey. Produced by the Maltese cultural platform Sugu, this film aims to preserve Carr's legacy while celebrating the vibrant history of jazz in Malta. The documentary was produced by an accomplished team, including drummer Ġuże Camilleri, filmmaker Cedric Vella, and sound engineer David Vella from Temple Studios. Together, they present the untold story of Tony Carr, a Maltese musical pioneer.
A Lifetime in Rhythm
Tony Carr's journey to prominence began during World War II when, as a teenager, he found himself immersed in Malta's jazz scene, forming one of Malta's earliest jazz trios. Playing in Valletta’s iconic Strait Street—a hub for musicians and Allied troops—Carr honed his craft. He was particularly inspired by African American jazz musicians who found themselves stranded in Malta during the war.
By 1952, Carr had decided to leave Malta for London, where the opportunities in jazz and popular music were far greater. His perseverance and talent eventually paid off when he caught the attention of American jazz-pop singer and bandleader Billy Eckstine, who invited him on a European tour in 1954. This was a pivotal moment in Carr's career, establishing him as one of London’s most in-demand session drummers.
From the 1960s through the early 1980s, Carr worked with a long list of musical legends. John Cameron, a jazz and pop pianist, conductor, and arranger, consistently hired Carr for studio sessions. His impeccable timing, versatility, and ability to blend seamlessly with different styles made him a go-to drummer for artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sixto Rodriguez, and Paul McCartney. One of Carr’s career highlights includes his involvement in the recording of Wings’ 1979 album Back to the Egg. Carr contributed to the celebrated “Rockestra Theme,” recorded with an all-star lineup including John Bonham of Led Zeppelin and Pete Townshend of The Who.
Carr’s Legacy and Maltese Jazz
While Tony Carr made his name abroad, he never lost touch with his roots in Malta. Throughout his career, Carr played alongside renowned Maltese musicians such as Frank Bibi Camilleri, Joe Curmi, Juice Wilson, and Sammy Galea. These collaborations reflected his deep connection to his homeland and its developing music scene. Yet despite his accomplishments, Carr's story has been largely forgotten, particularly in his native Malta.
This lack of recognition is something the new documentary Strait Street to Abbey Road seeks to correct. The film places Carr at the centre of a broader exploration of Malta’s early jazz scene, featuring interviews with key figures in the Maltese music world. As producer and researcher Ġuże Camilleri explained, the documentary also aims to rectify the "broken history" of Maltese jazz, which has not received the documentation or recognition it deserves.
In a rare interview, Carr reflects on his career and the challenges he faced as a Maltese musician in London’s fiercely competitive scene. His story is one of perseverance and quiet triumph, a testament to the determination required to break through in an industry that has often overlooked contributions from smaller nations like Malta.
A Documentary for Future Generations
The documentary premiere marks the culmination of months of research by Camilleri, whose passion for preserving Maltese music history has driven the project. In addition to Carr, the film highlights other influential figures in Malta's jazz scene, such as American multi-instrumentalist Juice Wilson, who settled in Malta in the 1940s, and saxophonist Sammy Murgo
Camilleri's research, which began in 2015 with the objective to be developed as a documentary, was supported by Arts Council Malta and adapted for the screen by filmmaker Cedric Vella. Together with music producer David Vella, they have created a vivid portrayal of Carr’s life and career, presenting not only his journey but also a cultural history of Maltese jazz. Samuel Attard, took care of the mixing and mastering of the sound, while Jimmy Grima, handled the illustrations. The documentary is a testament to Carr's significant yet understated contributions to music, both locally and internationally.
For audiences in Malta, Strait Street to Abbey Road offers an invaluable glimpse into the island’s rich musical past, inspiring a new generation of musicians and music lovers. As Tony Carr turns 97 later this month, the film serves as a long-overdue tribute to his enduring influence and a reminder of the profound impact that Maltese musicians have had on the global stage.
An additional screening of the documentary will take place on the 5th of November.
Bibliography:
Times of Malta
M3P.com (Malta Music Memory Project)
Rate Your Music. "Tony Carr: Discography and Collaborations"
Camilleri, Ġużè, Maltese Dummer and Percussionist George Caruana (aka Tony Carr) Career, Musical Styles and Adaptability
Camilleri, Ġużè, Anecdotes of Maltese Early Jazz (Vinyl)
Photos: Ġużè Camilleri
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