James Carter

Josh Redman and James Carter are the dueling spirits of jazz's young generation. Both are
poised, self-confident saxophonists who possess an encyclopedic knowledge not just of
jazz but of rock, soul and funk, as well. But that's where the similarities stop. In his playing,
Redman, the son of avant-garde jazz veteran Dewey Redman, is studious and restrained,
gently tugging at the edges of tradition. Carter is more like Jimi Hendrix with a sa... More >

I could call the organ a pop concept, but fact is I enjoy this as a jazz record. Just by blowing so lustily and swinging so edgily, Carter puts out more personality and pleasure than all but a few musical word-slingers. Deep meanings? I dunno. Aren't we in this for the pizzazz? (Grade: A-)