RON CARTER SEXTET - Orfeu (1999) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The great Ron Carter continues his intermittent love affair with Brazilian music, joined by a somewhat unlikely cast of characters. Guitarist Bill Frisell delivers yet another of his superb sideman performances, including a pinpoint harmonic dissection of "Goin' Home," Carter's bossa nova adaptation of Dvorak's "New World Symphony." The sonic blend of Frisell's guitar, Houston Person's tenor saxophone, and Stephen Scott's piano is consistently delightful, especially on the melody of Carter's "Por-Do-Sol." All three soloists turn in excellent performances on the three remaining Carter originals, "Saudade," "Obrigado," and "1:17 Special," as well as two Luiz Bonfa tunes from the film Black Orpheus, "Manha de Carnaval" and "Samba de Orfeu." Carter's melody statement and solo on the latter are his only steps into the spotlight; otherwise, he remains in a rhythmic support role, along with drummer Payton Crossley and percussionist Steve Kroon.
This record could have been merely one more Latin-themed album by an American jazz musician. But creative production choices and fantastic musicianship make it artistically solid and uncommonly beautiful. by David R. Adler  
Tracklist :
1     Saudade 6:34
Ron Carter
2     Manha de Carnaval 5:57
Luiz Bonfá / Antônio Maria
3     Por-Do-Sol 5:17
Ron Carter
4     Goin' Home 7:27
Ron Carter / Antonin Dvorák / William Arms Fisher
5     117 Special 6:53
Ron Carter
6     Obrigado 5:34
Ron Carter
7     Samba de Orfeu 7:36
Luiz Bonfá / Antônio Maria
Credits :
Ron Carter: bass
Houston Person: tenor sax
Bill Frisell: guitar
Stephen Scott: piano
Payton Crossley: drums
Steve Kroon: percussion

RON CARTER - Dear Miles (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although he has participated in a couple of Miles Davis tribute bands and Herbie Hancock's V.S.O.P., Ron Carter always resisted leading a CD of Davis tunes, until this project. Actually only seven of the ten songs that are performed by Carter's quartet on Dear Miles were associated with the trumpeter (not the two Carter originals or "As Time Goes By"), and "Bags' Groove" is a bit borderline. In any case, there are no trumpeters emulating Miles and these versions rarely hint at Davis' versions. This project simply served as a good excuse to play a variety of superior songs. Carter has plenty of solo space and sometimes takes the melodic lead. Pianist Stephen Scott gets his solos and occasionally throws in unexpected and offbeat song quotes. Drummer Payton Crossley and percussionist Roger Squitero are very much in the background. Dear Miles is a cheerful and upbeat session, most highly recommended to listeners who enjoy hearing a lot of bass solos. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Gone 4:47
Gil Evans
2     Seven Steps to Heaven 4:53
Miles Davis / Victor Feldman
3     My Funny Valentine 8:04
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
4     Bags' Groove 3:43
Milt Jackson
5     Someday My Prince Will Come 6:45
Frank Churchill / Larry Morey
6     Cut and Paste 4:37
Ron Carter
7     Stella by Starlight 5:03
Ned Washington / Victor Young
8     As Time Goes By 4:58
Herman Hupfeld
9     Bye Bye Blackbird 5:28
Mort Dixon / Ray Henderson
10     595 4:36
Ron Carter
Credits :
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Payton Crossley
Percussion – Roger Squitero
Piano – Stephen Scott