JAMES CARTER — JC on the Set (1994) WV (image+.cue), lossless

Twenty-five at the time of this CD, James Carter had already absorbed much of the tradition. His debut as a leader includes compositions by the classic tenors Don Byas and John Hardee, Duke Ellington's "Sophisticated Lady" and even a Sun Ra ballad. He also shows that he has the courage to play completely outside whenever it seems logical to him; in fact on the title cut Carter moves from Gene Ammons and Illinois Jacquet to outbursts a la David Murray in the stratosphere. But most importantly, at this early stage James Carter already had his own sound. He switches between the tenor (his main ax) to alto and baritone, shows self-restraint on the ballads and fills his improvisations with continual surprises. Joined by the supportive pianist Craig Taborn, bassist Jaribu Shahid and drummer Tani Tabbal, James Carter puts on quite a tour-de-force throughout this very impressive set. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 JC On The Set  6:25
Written-By – J. Carter
2 Baby Girl Blues  7:47
Written-By – J. Carter
3 Worried And Blue 8:07
Written-By – D. Byas
4 Blues For A Nomadic Princess  13:50
Written-By – J. Carter
5 Caravan  9:43
Written-By – D. Ellington, I. Mills, J. Tizol
6 Hour Of Parting  8:18
Written-By – Sun Ra
7 Lunatic  4:18
Written-By – J. Hardee
8 Sophisticated Lady  6:41
Written-By – D. Ellington, I. Mills, M. Parrish
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – James Carter
Bass – Jaribu Shahid
Drums – Tani Tabbal
Piano – Craig Taborn

CRAIG TABORN — Craig Taborn Trio (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Craig Taborn's recorded debut as a leader showcases the talented pianist in a variety of settings ranging from post-bop and hard bop to free jazz and avant-garde jazz, with bassist Jaribu Shahid and drummer Tani Tabbal providing strong support throughout the sessions. Taborn's furious opener is "David the Goliath," a turbulent number that blends a driving post-bop attack with an occasionally exotic Middle Eastern flavor. The pianist's "Uproot" is reminiscent of the flights of Cecil Taylor. He also delves into less familiar works by jazz giants, including Ornette Coleman's quirky "Compassion," Horace Silver's relaxing "Shirl," and a jaunty interpretation of John Coltrane's "Bass Blues," the latter showcasing Shahid. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    David The Goliath    4:01
Composed By – Craig Taborn
2    Compassion 7:02
Composed By – Ornette Coleman

3    Scar 6:07
Composed By – Andrew Dahlke
4    A Man Of Action    5:26
Composed By – Craig Taborn
5    Shirl 5:26
Composed By – Horace Silver
6    Over The Water    5:45
Composed By – Craig Taborn
7    The Temple    4:20
Composed By – Craig Taborn
8    Bass Blues 5:34
Composed By – John Coltrane
9    The Soul Of Grace    6:31
Composed By – Craig Taborn
10    Uproot    5:31
Composed By – Craig Taborn
Credits :
Bass – Jaribu Shahid
Drums – Tani Tabbal
Piano – Craig Taborn