Despite this CD's title and a slight emphasis on
ballads
,
The Real Quiet Storm
is not an
easy listening
record.
James Carter
, one of the great new discoveries of the 1990s (and whose versatility, brilliance on a variety of reed instruments, and seeming encyclopedic knowledge of
jazz
styles makes him a possible successor to
Rahsaan Roland Kirk
) is heard playing tenor, alto, soprano, baritone, bass clarinet and bass flute on the nine selections, with the impressive pianist
Craig Taborn
, either
Dave Holland
or
Jaribu Shahid
on bass, and
Leon Parker
Tani Tabbal
on drums. Although some of the ballad statements (such as his statements on baritone on
"'Round Midnight"
and
"Eventide"
) are fairly straightforward,
Carter
also has some explosive moments. His rendition (on soprano) of
Don Byas
"1944 Stomp"
is memorable, as is his interpretations of
"Born to Be Blue"
and two originals. The results are a bit restrained compared to his live performances, but this is an enjoyable and unpredictable outing, music that will not be played on the
Quiet Storm
. ~ Scott Yanow