With the possible exception of the brothers Marsalis, no musician made such an impression while making his debut as James Carter. He was only 17 years old when he toured with Wynton Marsalis and soon after that he joined Lester Bowie’s band. Carter hadn’t only mastered all existing musical styles, but had also learned how to play the complete saxophone family. Between 1993 and 2000 he released seven albums, all different in character. Bop, funk, hot club: Carter explored all genres.
Chasin’ The Gypsy, a tribute to Django Reinhardt, showcasing the baritone saxophone, might just be one his most bizarre albums. The project
Music of Don Byas, also an initiative of Carter, is one of those gems that makes the festival organization feel very proud. James Carter has always had a fascination for the music of composer/saxophonist Don Byas (1912-1972). As Byas lived in Holland for a long time and died in Amsterdam, a revival of his music by the
James Carter Quintet and the
Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw will prove to be the perfect match to honor a composer deserving wider recognition. The Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw led by Henk Meutgeert is composed of 18 musicians belonging to the absolute top of the Dutch jazz scene. The orchestra’s special guest is Fay Claassen, the vocalist that is considered to be the best singer of the new generation.
