James Carter (Ep. 42): The Masterful Saxophone Innovations of James Carter
This is Episode 42 of The Saxophone Knowledge and Mastery Podcast.
Episode 42 Executive Summary
James Carter is an American jazz musician celebrated for his exceptional technical virtuosity across a wide range of woodwinds, including saxophones (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone), flutes, and clarinets (especially the bass clarinet). Born in Detroit, Michigan, Carter emerged in the late 1980s as a powerful new voice. He is unique among his generation for his ability to master and blend the entire history of jazz, from Dixieland and swing to hard bop, fusion, and free jazz, into a singular, dynamic style.
Carter's musical education began in Detroit under the mentorship of Donald Washington. He gained early experience touring Scandinavia at age 16. His pivotal career moment came in 1988 when he was a last-minute addition for a performance with Lester Bowie in Detroit. This encounter led to an invitation to join Bowie's quintet in New York City, prompting Carter's move and launching his international career. He also gained visibility through his role playing Ben Webster in Robert Altman's 1996 film, Kansas City.
As a prolific leader, Carter has released numerous acclaimed albums, including JC on the Set (1994), Conversin' with the Elders (1996), Chasin' the Gypsy (2000), and Gardenias for Lady Day (2003). He is also a highly sought-after sideman, having recorded and performed with a diverse array of jazz legends such as Lester Bowie, Wynton Marsalis, the World Saxophone Quartet, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Cyrus Chestnut, and the Mingus Big Band. An authority on vintage instruments, Carter has repeatedly won the DownBeat magazine Critics and Readers Choice awards for baritone saxophone, solidifying his status as one of modern jazz's most formidable talents.
Keywords: James Carter, Saxophone, Jazz, Baritone Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Flute, Woodwinds, Virtuoso, Hard Bop, Free Jazz, Avant-Garde Jazz, Detroit Jazz, Lester Bowie, Wynton Marsalis, World Saxophone Quartet, Chasin' the Gypsy, Regina Carter, Saxophone Podcast, Jazz History
James Carter (b. 1969)
├── Overview
│ ├── Roles: Saxophonist (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone), Clarinetist (Bass), Flautist
│ ├── Known For: Technical virtuosity; mastery of all jazz styles (Dixieland to Free Jazz)
│ └── Origin: Detroit, MI
│
├── Early Life & Education
│ ├── Mentorship: Studied under Donald Washington (Bird-Trane-Sco-NOW!! ensemble)
│ ├── Early Experience: Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp (youngest faculty)
│ └── First Tour: International Jazz Band (Scandinavia, 1985)
│
├── Career Highlights
│ ├── Pivotal Moment: Performed with Lester Bowie in Detroit (1988)
│ ├── NYC: Moved to NY (c. 1990), joined Bowie's quintet
│ ├── Film: Played Ben Webster in "Kansas City" (1996)
│ ├── Key Collaborations: Lester Bowie, Wynton Marsalis, World Saxophone Quartet,
│ │ Dee Dee Bridgewater, Mingus Big Band, Julius Hemphill
│ ├── Family Project: Recorded "Chasin' the Gypsy" (2000) with cousin Regina Carter
│ └── Recognition: Multiple DownBeat Critics & Readers Choice awards (Baritone Sax)
│
├── Other
│ └── Expertise: Authority and collector of vintage saxophones
│
└── Selected Discography (As Leader)
├── JC on the Set (1994)
├── Jurassic Classics (1995)
├── The Real Quiet Storm (1995)
├── Conversin' with the Elders (1996)
├── In Carterian Fashion (1998)
├── Chasin' the Gypsy (2000)
├── Layin' in the Cut (2000)
├── Gardenias for Lady Day (2003)
├── Live at Baker's Keyboard Lounge (2004)
├── At the Crossroads (2011)
└── Live From Newport Jazz (2019)