Jurassic Classics

AMG Review of Jurassic Classics

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

The young but already great saxophonist James Carter explores seven jazz standards with pianist Craig Taborn (himself a young master capable of playing in several styles), bassist Jaribu Shahid, and drummer Tani Tabbal. Among the most versatile and knowledgeable of today's saxophonists, Carter draws on many top stylists during these lengthy solos, yet always sounds quite individual. His violent depiction of a train whistle on "Take the 'A' Train" perfectly launches that romp, and he also really stretches out on "Epistrophy," plays the lues on John Coltrane's "Equinox," and shows quite a bit of fire on "Oleo." A very stimulating session.