This album is the soundtrack to the documentary of the legendary bassist Ron Carter, titled Finding The Right Notes. The music is not only a tribute to the legendary bass player, but to the music that he has supported all of these decades, appearing on countless important and classical albums throughout his career.
Yes, Carter is the centerpiece, but there are many supporting decorations, including the WDR Big band on a few tracks, fellow bassists Christian McBride/Stanley Clark, pianists Renee Rosnes/Donald Vega/Jon Batiste, drummer Payton Crossley and guitarists Bill Frisell/Russell Malone. Malone and Vega are part of Carter’s regular trio, and they ar together on the sophisticated swinger “Soft Winds” and the samba’d A Nice Song”. Carter and Clarke dig into a deep duet on “Bag’s Groove” and McBride glides into “Willow Weep For Me”. The WDR Big Band is hip and declaratory on “Receipt, Please” and bouncy on ”Blues For D.P” with Frisell getting folksy on “My Man’s Gone Now”. I don’t know what else you’d be looking for in a bassist, but if whatever it is, you’re going to find all you need here.