James Carter
In the course of researching another upcoming RFT story, this one about the World Saxophone Quartet, I've learned that David Murray, a founding member of the WSQ, will not be performing with the group during their gig in St. Louis next month at Jazz at the Bistro. Instead, James Carter will fill the chair, appearing with co-founders Oliver Lake and Hamiet Bluiett and recent recruit Bruce Williams.
This info comes from Jazz St. Louis operations director Bob Bennett, relayed to me via email from the organization's publicist. No reason was given as to why Murray won't be part of the group's St. Louis stand, but I'm trying to get some more information, and when I do, StLJN readers will be the first to know.
As a fan of Murray's playing for many years, I can't help but be a bit disappointed, and I do hope his absence is just due to scheduling conflicts rather than illness, family problems, or something else bad.
That said, Carter is a great choice as a sub. He's got lots of experience with the multi-saxophone format, having been part of the Detroit Saxophone Choir and Saxemble, two groups that owed a good deal to the WSQ's concept. Moreover, Carter knows Murray's playing very well - the two have recorded togther, appeared on the same concert and club bills with their respective bands, and both were seen as part of the on-camera band in the Robert Altman film Kansas City. Finally, Carter plays the full spectrum of saxophones, from the rarely seen bass sax up to soprano, and has a bold, assertive musical personality, the sort that comes in handy when you're playing complex music with some of the greatest saxophonists in the world. So, while Murray will be missed, it should be fun to see what comes of Carter's collaboration with the group. Watch this space for more information as it becomes available...
UPDATE, 1/26/06, 11:45 p.m.: Terry Perkins, a gentleman and a scholar indeed, writes to tell us that David Murray had already booked some gigs, possibly overseas, for the week in question before the WSQ finalized their dates in St. Louis and Columbia, MO (on the Sunday after they close in St. Louis).
He adds: "So they called on Carter, who has played with them on rare occasions before. (Bluiett helped Carter quite a bit on bari when James was learning it in high school, and they've been buds ever since.) Personally, I'm really looking forward to hearing James with the other guys..." Mystery solved, I'm relieved that all is well with Mr. Murray, and many thanks to Mr. Perkins for the info. .
(edited immediately after posting to add a photo caption)
No comments:
Post a Comment