Live at Baker's Keyboard Lounge [Live]

Live at Baker's Keyboard Lounge [Live]

ASIN: B0001HJT7C

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Long past the flashy-phenom stage, James Carter still has a tendency to showboat, to pile on styles and extreme effects--lipping, tonguing, screeching, shrieking---and to play six different reed instruments when one or two would do. But it's hard to argue for moderation. When he pulls out the stops, as he does often on Live at Baker's Keyboard Lounge, he's the most electrifying young jazz musician going. In refusing to button himself up the way so many of his career-minded contemporaries do, he's also one of the most likable. Recorded in 2001 in his hometown of Detroit, with a cast of local players, this is a freewheeling, consistently enjoyable set that manages to pull its multitude of elements into a satisfying whole. The guest door swings freely: Carter joins David Murray on a coruscating twin-tenor treatment of Eddie Harris's "Freedom Jazz Dance," backs 91-year-old Chicago legend Franz Jackson on the standard "I Can't Get Started" (to which Jackson lends his craggy voice), and joins forces with those saxists and another Windy City great, Johnny Griffin, for a spirited tenor ensemble on "Foot Pattin'." Carter, who also weighs in on soprano and baritone, doesn't have to solo to lift the proceedings, as witnessed by the burning organ, hard-charging scat choir, and mentholated, Roland Kirk-like unison saxes on Jimmy Forrest's "Soul Street." --Lloyd Sachs

Tracks:

Tricotism
Soul Street
Freedom Jazz Dance
I Can't Get Started
Free And Easy
Low Flame
Sack Full Of Dreams
Fott Pattin'

Amazon.com

Long past the flashy-phenom stage, James Carter still has a tendency to showboat, to pile on styles and extreme effects--lipping, tonguing, screeching, shrieking---and to play six different reed instruments when one or two would do. But it's hard to argue for moderation. When he pulls out the stops, as he does often on Live at Baker's Keyboard Lounge, he's the most electrifying young jazz musician going. In refusing to button himself up the way so many of his career-minded contemporaries do, he's also one of the most likable. Recorded in 2001 in his hometown of Detroit, with a cast of local players, this is a freewheeling, consistently enjoyable set that manages to pull its multitude of elements into a satisfying whole. The guest door swings freely: Carter joins David Murray on a coruscating twin-tenor treatment of Eddie Harris's "Freedom Jazz Dance," backs 91-year-old Chicago legend Franz Jackson on the standard "I Can't Get Started" (to which Jackson lends his craggy voice), and joins forces with those saxists and another Windy City great, Johnny Griffin, for a spirited tenor ensemble on "Foot Pattin'." Carter, who also weighs in on soprano and baritone, doesn't have to solo to lift the proceedings, as witnessed by the burning organ, hard-charging scat choir, and mentholated, Roland Kirk-like unison saxes on Jimmy Forrest's "Soul Street." --Lloyd Sachs

Customer Reviews:

Best CD yet.......2006-07-31

This is definately James Carter's finest CD release to date. From the very beginning, Carter gives an astounding performance which absolutly blew me away the first time I heard it. With his powerful mastery over the altissimo range, slap-tounge techniques, and many others, he amazed from start to finish.

This CD is amazing with Carter alone, but this album is pushed up to a whole new level with the amazing band behind him. With tremendous solos from everyone (especially the organ solo on "Soul Street") this CD is a must-have for any James Carter fan, and any jazz fan at that.

This Cat Is Awesome.......2004-06-30

While I lack the musical expertise of most of the reviewers here, I do know what moves me musically. With that said, this was a very enjoyable listening experience. Thanks James.....continue making music that even knuckleheads like me can enjoy.

Continuing a trend of disappointing releases.......2004-04-18

James Carter certainly has the chops. From the standpoint of mere technique, he's probably the most prodigiously gifted sax player alive. A triple threat on soprano, tenor, and baritone sax--with his soprano playing perhaps the most astounding (check out his incredible solo on "Tricotism" where he sounds like he's channeling David Murray's tenor two octaves higher) although he's quite a bari player too, with tenor probably being his weakest horn--he might even be the greatest multi-horn player in the history of jazz.

What's wrong with that?

Nothing, as far as it goes.

I just find that, despite the fact that I own a handful of discs featuring him as leader, I hardly if ever pull any one of them out to play. This present disc will likely end up with a similar fate. Yes, it cooks like mad, yes he has mastered almost the entire range of jazz styles--everything from pure bebop ("Tricotism") wicked soul-jazz ("Sack Full of Dreams" and "Soul Street," showcasing not only some mighty tasty playing from him and guest David Murray but also some madcap wordless vocals) to jazz-funk ("Freedom Jazz Dance," on which he out-David Murrays David Murray) to gorgeous balladry ("I Can't Get Started," "Low Flame") to neo-swing ("Free and Easy,") to jazz-blues ("Foot Pattin'")--yes he sure knows how to turn on a crowd. It's all very stylishly presented, impeccably played, soulful-seeming--

and empty.

Where's the res?

Sadly lacking.

Bottom line, I think maybe he's one of those cats who's so talented that he's having trouble finding a distinct voice. When you can play any three horns better than 99% of sax players play one, it could present a significant problem if careful attention is not paid to achieving complete mastery and a singular voice on one. My opinion? He should quit the multi-instrumental showboating and crowd pleasing, drop out for a year or four, and concentrate on one horn, preferably soprano. Who knows, maybe he'll emerge as the next Steve Lacy.

Otherwise, he might just sink into obscurity, jack of all horns and master of none. More like 3 and 1/2 stars.

Better than sex.......2004-04-10

Best CD I've purchased all year. It's exciting, joyous, interesting music. I smiled with pleasure the whole way through and I think even non-jazz fans will enjoy it.

Live in Detroit: Global Jazz Trio at Baker's Keyboard Lounge

Average customer rating:

Live in Detroit: Global Jazz Trio at Baker's Keyboard Lounge
Global Jazz Trio
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000FSMOVU
Release Date: 2006-02-14

Tracks:

St. Thomas
Mercy, Mercy, Mercy
Impressions
Come Away with Me
Global Jazz for Peace
Cabala's Wish
Amazing Grace
Three Motifs in Jazz

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music