Chasin the Gypsy - 4082

Amazon.com At first glance, jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt might seem an unlikely inspiration for a modern jazz saxophonist. But in referencing the fiery gypsy virtuoso (while employing dual acoustic guitarists), James Carter has fashioned his most compelling, fully formed recital as a leader. While his galloping soprano on the title tune enhances Carter's reputation as fiery technical craftsman (all the more joyous for the torrid exchanges with his cousin, violinist Regina Carter), Chasin' the Gypsy showcases his gifts as a torch player, while deepening his connections to the rich timbres, macho articulations, and swinging romanticism of the pre-bebop saxophone tradition. In the process, he finds provocative new applications for forgotten instruments of the 1920s. On "Oriental Shuffle," he elicits a ripe, bulbous tonality from the F Mezzo--like a soprano sax on steroids--carefully layering taut melodic nuggets until busting out in a Djangoish reverie. Even more satisfying is his portrayal of the classic chestnut "I'll Never Be the Same," in which James matches Regina's soaring lyricism by transforming the ungainly bass saxophone from an ugly duckling into a lithesome swan (as he also does on Django's classic "Nuages," with Charlie Giordano's accordion providing authentic period counterpoint). Fans of Carter's timeless tenor saxophone tone won't be disappointed by the tender inflections marking his intimate performance of "Django's Castle" and an original for his freshly minted baby daughter, "Imari's Lullaby." This is a big step up in class for the young heavyweight. --Chip Stern Product Description This multi-reedist has chosen from an array of horns to play various saxophone on this, his romantic and inspired trinute to Django Reinhardt. Tracks include "Passionette," "Oriental Shuffle," "Silly Old Moon" and more. [Note: This product is an authorized CD-R and is manufactured on demand] Review Since his 1993 debut, reedsman James Carter has applied boundless confidence and monster chops to original compositions and old favorites, to all-but-forgotten classics, and to evolving sub-genres like organ-combo and "quiet storm." Now Carter immerses himself in the War Years' swing of guitarist Django Reinhardt. Carter might easily be taken for two - or a half-dozen - players. His low-slung first entrance on Chasin' the Gypsy, on Reinhardt's classic "Nuages (Clouds)," is that of a lounge lizard hauling forth a bass saxophone, hoisting it high, then higher - like Coleman Hawkins tossing an Apache dance partner. Carter's virtuosity is decked in Cyro Baptista's castinets, small chimes, cymbals, and ship's bell, lifted with characteristic modest grace by drummer Joey Baron, sustained on squeezebox by Charlie Giordano, and offset by well-placed bursts of Jay Berliner's steel-stringed and Romero Lumbambo's nylon-stringed guitars. The ensemble evokes noir soundscapes: public and private salons alive with intimations of assignations; night in the harbor, foggy streets, waterfront bars, and cafés; campfire-lit wagons under trees on the outskirts of town. Some of the arrangements and solos allude to present-day tropes: Giordano breaks into zydeco, and the intro to the "Artillerie Lourde (Heavy Artillery)" could just as easily open a Motown version of "Fever." But mostly Carter pitches his interpretations across time. His superfast title track would have suited Benny Goodman; Carter carves out its quick, tight curlicues with his knife-like soprano. On "Oriental Shuffle," he blows f mezzo saxophone with judicious use of vibrato, à la Sidney Bechet. On "Artillery," a shaft of light pierces the darkness of Carter's tough tone and melodic swagger. It's a suspenseful yet humorous pizzicato solo from his formidable cousin, violinist Regina Carter. With her sassy bow work and drive on "Chasin'," her wit trading fours with and partnering James on the chase choruses of "Avalon," Regina thickens the plot. Like the female lead who shows up to complic
ASIN: B00004TJ75
VSKU: GGV.B00004TJ75.LN
Condition: Like New
Author/Artist:Carter, James
Binding: Audio CD