10/23/11

Bryan Carter
Enchantment
Imaginate

By Bill Milkowski

On his auspicious debut, Illinois native Bryan Carter shows a seasoned approach on the kit that belies his young age. (He was 19 years old at the time of this recording.) Currently attending the Juilliard School in New York, the talented newcomer makes a strong impression with his quintet consisting of pianist Donald Vega, bassist Philip Kuehn and outstanding soloists in tenor saxophonist Jeremy Viner and trumpeter Matthew Jodrell. Carter originals like “At the Crack of Dawn,” “Clearance Ridge” and “Phil’s So Good” carry the impact of catchy Jazz Messengers fare. The title track is a more modern extension of that straight-ahead tradition and features bristling solos from Viner and Jodrell. Carter is definitely one to watch.