Live From Newport Jazz
Blue Note, 2019
9/10
Listen to Live From Newport Jazz
A saxophone wizard who has been active since the early ‘90s, James Carter makes his Blue Note debut here with a riveting live performance from the 2018 Newport Jazz Festival.
“Le Manoir De Mes Reves” starts the listen with warm organs and playful sax as the calm setting breeds timeless jazz and blues sounds, and “Melodie Au Crepuscule” follows with plenty of grooves and flowing rhythm with brass acrobatics from Carter that border on funk.
The back half of the listen offers the quick paced and dynamic interplay of “La Valse Des Niglos”, which moves at shuffling pace, while “Pour Que Ma Vie Demeure” brings a slow burning affair of cautious yet playful balladry. “Fleche d’Or” ends the performance with a festive spirit where frisky instrumentation touches on bop and swing fun.
An artist who is skilled at both gypsy and organ jazz, together with Alex White and Gerard Gibbs the trio deliver one of the best live jazz sets in recent history.
Travels well with: The Art Ensemble Of Chicago- Tutankhamun; Kendrick Scott Oracle- A Wall Becomes A Bridge