Search - Ron Carter :: Golden Striker

Nice, tasteful, well-executed, & rather pointless

N. Dorward | Toronto, ON Canada | 10/20/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Hm. This one looks promising--Ron Carter on bass, Russell Malone on guitar, Mulgrew Miller on piano, about as good a mainstream jazz lineup as you could hope for--& somehow comes off as well-executed musical wallpaper. Here's a test-case for the prospective purchaser: are you a big fan of the MJQ? It's not just that there's a cover of John Lewis's "The Golden Striker" here; it's that the same dynamic level, tasteful counterpoint & classical borrowings are present (though, frankly, there's nothing as striking as Milt Jackson's vibes here). There's a few originals from the players here (Carter's "A Quick Sketch" is the best, a lovely piece riding a very simple pedal point), & covers of Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez" (snore) & "Autumn Leaves" (a version which is so polite it's hard to believe it's the same guy who played on some of Miles' most tempestuous ever readings of the tune). These guys can play pretty, but--you know, I can think of a lot of albums that manage to be both pretty _and_ have some meat to them (try Bill Mays' _Going Home_ on Palmetto for instance; or for that matter the MJQ at their best). This one doesn't come close to managing that trick. 3 stars for execution, but this is disappointing stuff if you're looking for something that aspires to more than pleasantries."

Wonderful!

Frank Verhaeghe | United States | 10/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was admittedly sceptical about purchasing this cd, having read less than stellar reviews elsewhere, but something about the cover spoke to me (not to mention that it featured the great Russell Malone). How glad I am that I followed my instincts! I am by no means a jazz fanatic, but I do know good music when I hear it, and this recording has not left my CD player since I bought it. Each player gets his turn to shine, but the solos never become monotonous or self-indulgent (often the case in some jazz music IMHO). There is thoughtful interplay between the musicians, each one obviously knowing how to listen to the other. It reminds me of another one of my favorite recordings, Jim Hall's 'Concierto' (minus the horns and drums). As a matter of fact, they both contain a reading of Rodrigo's 'Concerto De Aranjuez', and, while I thought nothing could top Mr. Hall's interpretation, this rendition stands on it's own merits. Mulgrew Miller's piano never dominates, Russell Malone's solo is short but spot-on and Ron Carter's bass work holds the whole thing together. 'N.Y. Slick' is an odd composition with some dissonant guitar work that somehow works. The more I listen to this recording, the more I enjoy it.
One odd thing; throughout the disc there is a sort of weird background noise that I can't identify. Could be the squeaking of the upright bass or Mr. Carter grunting (or mouthing) the notes as he leans into his parts. Thoughts anyone?
Again, I highly recommend this disc."