Search - James Carter :: Gardenias for Lady Day (Hybr) (Ms)

Carter moves onwards and upwards

Dr.D.Treharne | Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom | 03/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As James Carter's career has progressed he's always attempted something new, never just producing an album without building on the previous one. On this album of Billy Holiday tracks he not only places himself within the confines of what could seen as an album of covers,(relatively well known tunes as well) but also chooses to add strings to the mix, as well as three tracks with vocalist Miche Braden. That it works so well and so effectively is a tribute to both Carter and his arrangers Greg Cohen and Cassius Richmond.
Stand out track for me is "I'm in a low down groove", where Carter not only plays an outstanding Baritone Sax arrangement, but also drops in the mix tenor and F Mezzo saxophones.As on all the tracks he's helped out with a basic quartet of John Hicks (piano), Peter Washington on Bass, and Victor Lewis on drums. The string arrangements augment, rather than detract from the outcome. Other outstanding tracks are "More than you know" and Billy Strayhorn's "A flower is a lovesome thing.". On both of these tracks Carter features the Baritone, which really suits the kind of fluid approach that he tries to take with all the tracks.Of the other vocal tracks, the other one that works best for me was the arrangement of Sammy Cahn and Saul Chapman's "You're a lucky guy."
This is an onward step in Carter's career, and if you doubt that the chosen tunes have any more to give up, be assured that this is an album that will delight, not only through the take that he gives every track, but also through the togetherness of the ensemble playing. Highly recommended!"

James Carter....the most beautiful sax player

Elaine R. Mills | Beautiful Connecticut | 09/12/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"James Carter is perhaps the most ravishingly beautiful saxophone players in the history of jazz. His tone and sensibility give way to true emotions that he conveys through his horn. While this says so much for him as a professional musician, it does not say so much about him as an artist and as an innovator. James Carter is beautiful at playing in a style that is reminecent of the past. He has learned from the masters and took it to his own level. This cd conveys that clearly, his one drawback is that he rarely writes and rarely challeneges the boarders of music. That is the only fault he has. Some say he is an empty player, but if you have seen him play live and really listened you can hear the emotions he plays with. Give this a listen. It's a cd in honor of Lady Day or as she was better known, Billie Holiday. Just listen...."