Ron Carter - Stardust
Ron CarterStardust
Ron Carter
(Blue Note - 2002)
by S. H. Watkins, Sr.

With over 3,000 album recordings to his credit, Ron Carter may be the epitome of the Jazz bassist. He once played in a group with Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock and Tony Williams... that says it all. On Stardust Carter is joined by saxophonist Benny Golson, pianist Sir Roland Hanna, vibraphonist Joe Locke and drummer Lenny White to present an album dedicated to the late bassist Oscar Pettiford, featuring covers of three of his tunes. Tamalapais, a Pettiford cover, is mystical and melodic with some great vibe-sax collaborations by Locke and Golson. Blues in the Closet, another Pettiford cover, features some clever piano runs by Hanna and a strong bass presence from Carter.

There are three Carter compositions on the CD, Nearly, an older composition given a breath of fresh life by Joe Locke's soulful vibing; Tail Feathers, an up tempo piece featuring that sax-vibe walk again and a nice solo from Golson; and That's Deep, again featuring Locke's jumping vibe, with a nice long solo session by drummer White and Carter. Carter and White are most notable throughout this CD for their consistent presence. They create and maintain the wonderful canvas that the others paint their exotic melodies upon without grabbing the forefront.

Although this is the first time the group has performed together as a group, the mix came of well. Everyone seemed to get into Ron's flow and the result proves that there's still creativity and life in the straight-ahead Jazz field, and in Ron Carter's career.