Biography of Ron Carter

An extremely talented bassist whose musical skills extend to violin, clarinet, trombone, and tuba, Ron Carter started on cello at ten and was soon giving concerts. He switched to bass in high school in Detroit, and later graduated from the Eastman School of Music in 1959. Carter played and recorded with The Eastman Philharmonic Orchestra before joining Chico Hamilton in 1959. From 1960 until the present, the list of greats Carter has worked with includes Eric Dolphy, Miles Davis, McCoy Tyner, Lena Horne, the New York Bass Choir, the New York Jazz Quartet, and many others. His huge tone, sense of time, rhythmic pulse, imagination, and ability to provide whatever's necessary in any musical situation have enabled Carter to do everything from solos to duos to trios, and even work with rappers. He formed his own quartet in 1976, and his exchanges with fellow bassist Buster Williams, plus his use of the piccolo bass, were breathtaking. Carter's legacy runs over 500 albums. ~ Ron Wynn