Steve Carter: Act 1

There's an old saying that states "those who can, do, those who can't, teach" Fortunately, I have yet to find this saying accurate. Case in point is Berklee Prof. veteran and Jazz Guitar player, Steve Carter.

This is a player who can definitely "DO". His marvelous solo guitar CD "Act 1" is a culmination of taste, experience, maturity, and of course, great songs. Tunes like Embraceable You, Softly As in A Morning Sunrise, I Remember Clifford, Dolphin Dance, the bluesy God Bless The Child, his own composition Baba Ghanosh, and others are all played with a skill and musicality that makes Steve Carter a great player and a joy to listen to.

Most impressive is his sensitivity to each composition as he offers the listener a chance to partake in the splendor of each tune while subtly showcasing his deep harmonic knowledge and technique.

This is not an album that attempts to impress the listener with how fast one can play, or how many contrapuntal lines one can play simultaneously. It is an intimate conversation between Steve and the listening audience as he presents to us one man's love of the guitar, the American Popular song, and how great both go together. Especially when played by a superb talent like Steve Carter.

For those who are fans of solo jazz guitar or for those who are students of solo jazz guitar, this is a CD that needs to be in your collection.

That being said, I can't wait for ACT 2.

Go to http://www.frogstoryrecords.com/ to purchase "Act 1" or see what else Steve Carter has to offer.

Lyle Robinson