Jazz Articles about James Carter

James Carter/Cyrus Chestnut/Reginald Veal/Ali Jackson: Gold Sounds

by Michael McCaw
October 31, 2005

Of all the source material available to musicians nowadays, the indie-rock band Pavement probably wouldn't rank high on many jazz tribute lists. Nonetheless, James Carter, Cyrus Chestnut, Reginald Veal, and Ali Jackson recorded a striking album of the group's compositions over the course of two days last fall.

Clocking in at just over 44 minutes, Gold Sounds is an enthralling record with memorable melodies that leaves you with the desire to return very quickly for another go. And for those ...

James Carter Organ Trio: Out of Nowhere: Live at the Blue Note

by John Kelman
October 25, 2005

When James Carter burst onto the scene a dozen years ago, it was akin to the second coming. Not since the 1960s had someone emerged with so potent a combination of astounding advanced and extended techniques, fiery intensity, and unfettered imagination. Clearly well-versed in the mainstream, Carter nevertheless approached it from the left with a rawness informed by artists like Albert Ayler and Pharoah Sanders. Early recordings found Duke Ellington, Sun Ra, and Mel Tormé comfortably coexisting with his own ...

James Carter: Live at Baker's Keyboard Lounge & Two Dreams

by Russ Musto
December 11, 2004

James Carter Live at Baker's Keyboard Lounge Warner Bros. 2004

James Carter is a passionate player whose solos are frequently pushed over the top by his awesome virtuosity. That tendency is put to good use on this live extravaganza recorded before a raucous crowd at Baker's Keyboard Lounge. Joined by Johnny Griffin, Franz Jackson and David Murray on tenors, Larry Smith on alto and Dwight Adams on trumpet, with rhythm sections featuring pianist Kenny ...

James Carter: Live at Baker's Keyboard Lounge

by Chris M. Slawecki
May 15, 2004

In 2001, James Carter commanded soprano, tenor, and baritone saxophones on one of the most famous jazz stages in his Detroit hometown, leading keyboardists Gerald Gibbs and Kenn Cox, trumpeter Dwight Adams, bassist Ralphe Armstrong, and drummers Leonard King and Richard “Pistol" Allen, plus special guests, through three hot summer nights.

Just like he covers every saxophone, Carter covers just about every style, on Live at Baker's. On the first track, Oscar Pettiford's “Tricotism," his playing reshapes a ...

James Carter: Gardenias for Lady Day

by Germein Linares
March 8, 2004

Saxophonist James Carter pays tribute to Billie Holiday on Gardenias for Lady Day. This is the first recording by Carter since his tribute to another jazz icon, Django Reinhardt, on Chasin' the Gypsy. An extremely creative and adaptable musician, Carter's multi-reed talents are valuable and welcomed additions. The new rhythm section of pianist John Hicks, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Victor Lewis is bolstered by Greg Cohen and Cassius Richmond's graceful orchestral arrangements. The music for the album includes four ...

James Carter: Gardenias for Lady Day

by Jeff Stockton
January 18, 2004

While not quite James Carter in Satin, this homage to the music and spirit of Billie Holiday overflows with silky soloing, noirish ballads, and romantic orchestration, with the leader’s own distinctive and identifiable voice prominently featured on no less than six horns. Carter’s arresting baritone saxophone comes up from under on “A Flower is a Lovesome Thing” and “More Than You Know,” alternately ascending and descending in languorous musical waves. His tenor on “Gloria” and “I Wonder Where Our Love ...

James Carter: Gardenias For Lady Day

by Jim Santella
December 1, 2003

James Carter with strings.

Carter's tribute to the memory of Billie Holiday weaves lyrical melodies around his own trademark enthusiasm. His desire to build upon what our jazz ancestors laid down for us has matured. Instead of far-out creations that few could understand and that many would bicker with, the 34-year-old saxophone sensation serves up an accessible program that reaches, nevertheless, into the 21st century. Stereo saxophones and deep-throated clarinets surround themes that recall the uniqueness of Lady ...