James Carter

James Carter is a multi-saxophonist and bandleader whose projects move between acoustic jazz, organ groups, electronic textures, and orchestral writing.

Tenor saxophoneSoprano saxophoneBass saxophoneBandleader12 current shows

Photo source · Photo: D. Höss (Birka), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Career Overview

About James Carter

Carter's official biography presents range as the organizing principle of his work, from acoustic swing and ballads to funk, organ-combo music, electronics, and tributes. His artist discography traces that breadth from the 1993 debut JC on the Set through contrasting leader sessions and collaborative projects.[1][2]

The same source distinguishes Carter's Organ Trio and Elektrik Outlet from his orchestral work with composer Roberto Sierra. Sierra's Concerto for Saxophones and Orchestra was commissioned by the Detroit Symphony, premiered in 2002, and recorded with Sinfonia Varsovia for the 2011 album Caribbean Rhapsody.[1][3]

Ensembles and Career Threads

Bands & Projects

Leader and saxophonist

James Carter Organ Trio

Carter's official history follows the organ-group format through Out of Nowhere, Heaven on Earth, and At the Crossroads, using the setting for both standards and original material.[1][2]

Leader and electronically processed saxophonist

James Carter's Elektrik Outlet

Elektrik Outlet places Carter with electronic keyboards, electric bass, drums, and effects, extending his long interest in guitar-driven repertoire and amplified textures.[1]

Solo tenor and soprano saxophonist

Concerto for Saxophones and Orchestra

Premiered 2002; recorded 2009

Roberto Sierra's four-movement concerto was written for Carter and combines orchestral and jazz language while featuring him on tenor and soprano saxophones.[3]

Selected, Not Exhaustive

Recordings to Know

2000 · Atlantic Records

Chasin' the Gypsy

Leader and multi-saxophonist

The session draws on Carter's interest in Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli and features violinist Regina Carter, guitarist Romero Lubambo, and percussionist Cyro Baptista.[1][2]

Release details

2011 · EmArcy

At the Crossroads

James Carter Organ Trio leader and saxophonist

Carter's official discography identifies At the Crossroads as a 2011 Organ Trio release, continuing the format documented in his earlier organ-combo recordings.[2][1]

Release details

2011 · EmArcy

Caribbean Rhapsody

Solo tenor and soprano saxophonist with Roberto Sierra

Caribbean Rhapsody includes the recorded Concerto for Saxophones and Orchestra with Sinfonia Varsovia and conductor Giancarlo Guerrero.[3][2]

Release details

Artist-Authorized Destinations

Start Listening

Concerto movements

Hear all four movements through the audio players on Carter's official concerto page.

Official performance archive

Watch selected Carter performances collected on his artist-run video page.

Smoke Jazz Club · New York

Show details

Sources

Career copy is original synthesis from the artist, label, and project sources below. Current dates come from Jazz DateBook event inventory.

[1] Official biography and project guide
James Carter
[2] Official leader and selected sideman discography
James Carter
[3] Official concerto history and listening page
James Carter