James Carter

James Carter: A Powerhouse Musician

James Carter is a powerhouse musician and one of the most admired saxophonists of his generation, garnering plaudits for his role in helping to propel jazz full tilt into the future over the past twenty-five years. His music is fueled by deep respect and intimate knowledge of the jazz tradition. Carter always finds a way into whatever musical situation he finds himself in. "You have to be totally comfortable wherever," Carter says. "I think there's tremendous beauty in cross-pollinations of music and influences."

Recording Career and Achievements

He has released 14 recordings with his various ensembles for Atlantic Records, Sony, and UMG. Several feature his renowned Organ Trio and one includes the Concerto for Saxophones and Orchestra by renowned composer, Roberto Sierra. 30 August 2019 marked his long-awaited debut on Blue Note Records with the release of James Carter Organ Trio: Live From Newport Jazz.

James Carter is the winner of multiple Downbeat awards; and in 2004 received one of America's highest cultural awards: The Dr. Alaine Locke Award, given annually to individuals who have provided exemplary service and leadership in the promotion of African-American culture.

Recent Projects and Acclaim

A concert album, Live from Newport Jazz, recorded with his organ trio at the long-running festival, arrived in 2019, reaching the top 10 of Billboard's Jazz Albums chart. More eclectic projects followed, including 2022’s D(IVO), the debut album from Carter's adventurous saxophone quartet with Tim Berne, Tony Malaby, and Ivo Perelman. He also joined Perelman for 2022's Reed Rapture in Brooklyn.

The following year, he showcased his outsized baritone saxophone skills on the solo recording Un (Unaccompanied Baritone Saxophone).

Upcoming Projects

2024 sees the debut of James Carter's latest project: Lookin' at Lock: The Music of Eddie Lockjaw Davis, featuring James Carter on saxophones, Satish Robertson on trumpet, Gerard Gibbs on piano, Hilliard Greene on bass, and Kahlil Kwame Bell on drums at the Syracuse Jazz Festival on June 29th and a return to Birdland August 13-17!