James Carter - Live At Baker's Keyboard Lounge

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Music reviews of Live At Baker's Keyboard Lounge

Music Review: Continuing a trend of disappointing releases
Rating: 4 Stars

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.

Description of Live At Baker's Keyboard Lounge

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Jazz CDs

• Music > Styles