Ron Carter, the legendary bassist, presents "Stardust," a captivating journey through the realms of jazz, released in April 2001. This album, recorded in 2000, is a tribute to the late Oscar Pettiford, a musician whom Ron Carter deeply admires. The album is a testament to Carter's mastery of his instrument and his deep understanding of jazz history.
"Stardust" is a collection of eight tracks that span a variety of jazz styles, including hard bop, cool jazz, and bebop. The album opens with "Tamalpais," a track that sets the tone for the rest of the album with its smooth, cool jazz vibes. "The Man I Love" is a classic jazz standard, given a new lease on life by Carter's bass and the accompanying ensemble. "Nearly" and "Bohemia After Dark" are both hard bop tracks that showcase Carter's virtuosity on the bass.
The album also features some lesser-known tracks, such as "Tail Feathers" and "Blues in the Closet," which are both excellent examples of Carter's compositional skills. "That's Deep" is a bebop track that features some impressive soloing from Carter and the rest of the ensemble. The album closes with the title track, "Stardust," a beautiful ballad that showcases Carter's sensitivity and lyricism.
Throughout the album, Ron Carter is joined by a stellar ensemble of musicians, including Benny Golson on tenor saxophone and Joe Locke on vibraphone. The album was originally released on the Japanese Somethin' Else label, with a US release on Blue Note Records. "Stardust" is a fantastic addition to any jazz fan's collection, featuring some of the best playing of Ron Carter's career.
Vinylscout