Trip to Carrollton

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Trip to Carrollton" by Ten Hands, a track from their 1993 album Jazz for Jerks, for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song is a wild ride, blending funky jazz-rock with the band’s signature eclectic energy. While specific interviews or social media posts about "Trip to Carrollton" are scarce, the album itself was a pivotal moment for Ten Hands. Recorded with producer Dave Castell and funded by their friend Byron Wilson, Jazz for Jerks came at a time when the band was rebounding from a rough patch after a disappointing deal with an L.A. label. The track captures their raw, improvisational spirit, with quirky rhythms and playful vibes that likely resonate with the Zoo Freaks’ love for offbeat tunes.

One piece of trivia about "Trip to Carrollton" is its connection to the band’s Dallas roots. Carrollton is a city just north of Dallas, and the song’s title might be a nod to local haunts or a metaphorical journey, though the band hasn’t explicitly spilled the beans in public interviews. Ten Hands was known for their high-energy live shows in the Dallas scene, and tracks like this one were often extended into jam sessions, making each performance unique. Fans on platforms like Facebook occasionally reminisce about catching the band at venues like Club Dada, where songs from Jazz for Jerks would get the crowd moving. The album’s lo-fi production, done on a tight budget, gives "Trip to Carrollton" a gritty charm that’s perfect for the Zoo Crew’s retro vibe.

Ten Hands got their start in Dallas during the mid-1980s, emerging from the vibrant Deep Ellum music scene. The band, led by frontman Paul Slavens, formed when a group of musically diverse friends decided to blend jazz, rock, funk, and avant-garde influences into something totally unique. Slavens, a multi-instrumentalist with a knack for witty lyrics, was the creative core, but the band’s strength came from its collaborative spirit. Members like Gary Muller on Chapman Stick and Steve Brand on guitar brought unconventional sounds to the mix. They quickly built a cult following, winning multiple Dallas Observer Awards in 1988-1989 for their electrifying live performances. Their early gigs were chaotic, theatrical affairs, with costumes and improvisation that made every show a spectacle.

By the late ’80s, Ten Hands caught the attention of producer T-Bone Burnett, who promised a major record deal. Though that deal fell through, it fueled their drive to keep creating. After a tough tour in 1990 and a rocky experience with their 1991 album Be My Guru, the band regrouped for Jazz for Jerks, which marked a return to their DIY ethos. Over the years, Ten Hands has remained a beloved act in Texas, with sporadic reunions and new music, like their 2019 release Extra Hands. Their official website, tenhandsmusic.com, is a hub for updates, music, and merch. You can also find them on Facebook, where they share gig announcements and interact with fans, and on Instagram, though their presence there is quieter. Their X account is less active but still worth a follow for occasional updates.

Fan communities for Ten Hands are small but dedicated. The Ten Hands Facebook page doubles as a gathering spot for fans, with followers posting memories of ’80s and ’90s shows or sharing rare live videos. There’s also a Ten Hands Fans Facebook group, where diehards discuss the band’s discography and swap stories about legendary performances. No major fan websites exist, but the band’s cult status is evident in the loyal chatter across these platforms. For Zoo Freaks digging the "Trip to Carrollton" vibe, connecting with these fan spaces is a great way to dive deeper into Ten Hands’ quirky world.