Over the years Detroit has produced some of the finest jazz musicians in the world, including Elvin Jones, Hank Jones, Thad Jones, Tommy Flanagan, Lucky Thompson, Louis Hayes, Barry Harris, Paul Chambers, Yusef Lateef, Marcus Belgrave, Milt Jackson, Kenny Burrell, Ron Carter and Pepper Adams. That tradition continues with James Carter, a powerhouse musician and one of the most admired saxophonists of his generation, garnering plaudits for his role in helping to propel jazz full tilt into the future over the past twenty-five years. His music is fueled by deep respect and intimate knowledge of the jazz tradition. Jamees Carter brings brings his organ trio including fellow Motor Citians Gerard Gibbs on Hammond B3 and Leonard Clyde King Jr. on drums to Yoshi's in Oakland on Friday, September 30th and Saturday, October 1st.
His debut recording, JC On The Set, released in Japan when Carter was a mere 23 years old, heralded the arrival of a significant and powerful new musical force in jazz. James Carter has been widely admired for his incredible ability to play virtually any style of jazz with an unabashed authority and an explosive ability on every variety of saxophone: from the soprano to the mighty baritone sax Carter is master of them all. He earned his stripes as a young player on tours with Wynton Marsalis, as well as his mentor trumpeter Marcus Belgrave with whom he toured aged just 17. Once he relocated to New York in 1988 he release no less than six albums as a leader between 1993 and 2000 – each showing his immense versatility and overwhelming virtuosity in every style from electric funk, to gypsy jazz and even a tribute to Billie Holiday.
The decade-long collaboration of jazz virtuoso James Carter and classical composer Roberto Sierra came to a thrilling culmination with the release first recording, Caribbean Rhapsody. Sierra's Concerto for Saxophones and Orchestra, composed for Carter and premiered in Detroit in 2002, is the centerpiece of the new Emarcy CD; a new Sierra composition, "Caribbean Rhapsody," which features Carter, his musical cousin Regina Carter on violin, and string quintet, is a gorgeous companion piece. Two solo interludes on tenor and soprano saxophones respectively were composed by Carter in response to themes and elements in both of Sierra's works.
Caribbean Rhapsody is Carter's 13th album and his second for Emarcy Records. Present Tense (2008) which featured trumpeter Dwight Adams, bassist James Genus, drummer Victor Lewis, and pianist D.D. Jackson, was described in a four-star Rolling Stone review as "Presidential Carter: soulfulness and technique in perfect balance."
James Carter is the winner multiple downbeat awards; and in 2004 received one of America’s highest cultural awards: The Dr. Alaine Locke Award, given annually to individuals who have provided exemplary service and leadership in the promotion of African-American culture.
Carter has performed, either live or in the studio, with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, the late Julius Hemphill, Ronald Shannon Jackson, the Charles Mingus Big Band, soprano Kathleen Battle, Aretha Franklin, David Murray, the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Ginger Baker, Sonny Rollins, Odean Pope, Dee Dee Bridgewater and many others. He appeared in the 1994 PBS telecast of “Live At Lincoln Center” and portrayed saxophonist Ben Webster in Robert Altman’s 1996 film, “Kansas City.”
Gerard William Gibbs, born November 16th 1967, has been a lover of Jazz ever since his father introduced him at the tender age of three to the music of the late Jazz organist, Richard “Groove” Holmes. At age seven, when he later had the opportunity to meet Holmes, Gerard grew to idolize Holmes. He knew then that one day, he would play Jazz just like his idol. In the summer of 1981, while recovering at home from corrective leg surgery, Gerard received a surprise visit from “Groove” Holmes. Holmes took an immediate interest in Gerard and began to show him all the “tricks of the trade.” Until Holmes’ death in 1991, Gerard had the kind of friendship and mentoring relationship with this international jazz organist that others can only dream about.
In 1996, Gerard was again fortunate. He met another jazz organist, Jimmy Smith. He was introduced to Smith while attending his concert at the Bluebird Inn in Detroit. Smith took a liking to Gerard as well, and began to show his some of his techniques. Since that time Gerard’s friendship with Jimmy Smith has proven to be of great value. Gerard also has had opportunities to rub shoulders with jazz organists Joey DeFrancesco, Jimmy McGriff, and the late Jack McDuff. In September of 1999, Gerard had the opportunity to jam with the “Mighty Burner”, the late Charles Earland. All of these encounters have contributed to Gerard’s development as a versatile musical artist.
Drummer Leonard King, Jr. began his musical life in music as a singer. His early vocal influences were Jackie Wilson, Frankie Lyman and the Teenagers, and Chuck Berry. His interest in rhythm patterns began to blossom soon afterwards. During this period many drummers were prominent bandleaders in the U.S. and several of them had popular recordings such as Art Blakey, Gene Krupa, Cozy Cole, Buddy Rich, Max Roach, and Louie Bellson. "I would use anything that was available in our house to make rhythm sounds including spoons, rulers, paint cans, and chairs. Once I started making dents in the chairs then my parents asked me if I wanted to take drum lessons and I said 'yes'." Eventually he learned to sing AND play simultaneously.
The Detroit music scene was very fertile in his youth and Leonard had the opportunity to meet Chico Hamilton, Art Blakey, and Al Jackson, Jr. of Booker T. and the MG's. He formed a neighborhood band with his two brothers Gregory, and Atiba King that became known as Leonard King and the Soul Messengers and remained together for ten years.
Yoshi's is located at 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square, in Oakland fpr tickets call (510) 238-9200 or visit www.yoshis.com.
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