Ron Carter Foursight Quartet at Birdland

There are hints of autumn everywhere.  The leaves are turning. Temperatures are dropping, winking at sweater weather. Everything is coming up pumpkin.  And for the initiated—in The City That Never Sleeps, at "The Jazz Corner of the World"—Ron-tober has taken hold.  A major sign of the season, Ron Carter's month-long run at Birdland has become a welcome traditional that draws fans from near and far.

At 89 years of age, the most recorded bassist in history is still wowing audiences and demonstrating the strength and good taste that have made him the ultimate musical model for generations. Kicking off this 2026 residency with his Foursight Quartet, Carter proved captivating.  Whether threading "Seven Steps to Heaven" through his set or making time seemingly stand still with "You and the Night and the Music," he operated with the authority and creativity that have long been his hallmarks. 

Saxophonist Jimmy Greene, pianist Donald Vega and drummer Payton Crossley were right there with Carter, completely simpatico in sensibilities.  And anticipation was in the air, both for the sounds of surprise unfolding that evening and the promise of this bass icon's immediate future at the club—duo sets with Bill Frisell, a string of big band sets, and the return of a modified Foursight Quartet (with Renee Rosnes taking over on piano). 

This writer, while sad to be missing those upcoming engagements, was thankful to be present and have a camera on hand to capture some of the magic of Foursight's late set on Friday, October 9. Here are a few select shots of this greatness in action...