Ron Unz

This beautiful, Latin-themed album by bass superpower Ron Carter almost can stand in as a Stephen Scott showcase, for the young pianist's verve and finesse are in evidence from start to finish. Carter reserves plenty of solo room (and a number of melody statements) for himself, however. Drummer Harvey Mason and percussionist Steve Kroon work together to create a luxurious, flowing Latin vibe that makes each tune a true listening pleasure. One highlight is the group's slow, polyrhythmic take on Jobim's "Corcovado." Another is a grooving version of Carter's "Loose Change," a tune that appeared in a very different light on Joe Henderson's State of the Tenor album. Scott woos with his bluesy delicacy on "Que Pasa," another Carter original, and swings exuberantly on fellow pianist Ray Bryant's "Cubano Chant"…

Houston Person is one of the last in a long line of thick-toned tenors who display soul in every note they play while bassist Ron Carter's versatility is legendary (it seems as if he has spent half of his life in recording studios). Their duet CD, although not inevitable, works out quite well. Carter not only sets the rhythms behind Person but sometimes plays chords (à la Count Basie guitarist Freddie Green) or the melody in unison with the tenor, continually keeping the music flowing in an unhurried and relaxed fashion. None of the selections (seven standards plus "Blues for Two") are taken faster than mid-tempo and Person has been chewing up these chord changes for years, so the main attractions of this date are the instrumentation and the strong interplay between Person and Carter. The results are both relaxed and successful.

The great Ron Carter continues his intermittent love affair with Brazilian music, joined by a somewhat unlikely cast of characters. Guitarist Bill Frisell delivers yet another of his superb sideman performances, including a pinpoint harmonic dissection of "Goin' Home," Carter's bossa nova adaptation of Dvorak's "New World Symphony." The sonic blend of Frisell's guitar, Houston Person's tenor saxophone, and Stephen Scott's piano is consistently delightful, especially on the melody of Carter's "Por-Do-Sol." All three soloists turn in excellent performances on the three remaining Carter originals, "Saudade," "Obrigado," and "1:17 Special," as well as two Luiz Bonfa tunes from the film Black Orpheus, "Manha de Carnaval" and "Samba de Orfeu"…