Search - James Carter :: Jurassic Classics

Overcompensating coming-out

Samuel Chell | Kenosha,, WI United States | 07/28/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Clearly a "display piece" by youthful, indefatigable brilliance, this album is meant to dazzle and impress rather than express or communicate. Carter takes on each of his major progenitors on their own territory--Trane and Sanders, Hawk and Hodges, Rollins and Carney. His opening marathon solo on "A Train" is in itself a reprise of the history of the saxophone, from Boots Randolph to Albert Ayler. Give Carter credit. Even though these tracks are impersonations rather than assimilations of the tradition, it's doubtful any other player could have brought them off so convincingly."

Some classic tracks deconstructed!

Dr.D.Treharne | Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom | 06/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album contains versions of tracks that James Carter must have listened to in the original versions, and wanted to deconstruct in his own way.There's no doubt that this is a showcase for his sax playing, whether it's on soprano, alto or tenor. The band are clearly fully supportive, and all grew up and played together out of Detroit. Special mention for Craig Taborn on piano who never swamps Carter, but drives him on to find new expression for these tracks. Favourites here are the two Thelonius Monk tracks, in particular "Epistrophy" at 13.45, which gives the leader a chance to stretch out in every direction. The track itself with its "clumps" of notes is an ideal vehicle for what Carter sets out to do.I also like the reworking of Clifford Brown's "Sandu".The great thing about this album is that it helps to explain the direction that Carter has taken since, with him playing at the top of his form, and storming through what could have been a bland revisitation, to make the tracks his own.It's an interesting contrast, as well, with the currently unavailable Greg Osby album "Further ado" where the leader on that album sets his playing firmly within the group setting. This, on the other hand is very much a James Carter masterwork"

The great James Carter !

Alain Faraggi | Sao Paulo, Brazil | 08/12/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Nowadays, James Carter is one of the best saxophone's player. On this album, "Jurassic Classics", James Carter chose seven jazz standars .You just have to listen "Equinox"(Coltrane) to understand why he is so good. "Take the 'A' Train" is too good as well. Here he is playing with the very good pianist Craig Taborn (amazing on the "Oleo" track), Jaribu Shahid (Bass) and Tani Tabbal(Drums)."