When Skies Are Grey

• Artist: Ron Carter
• Rating:
• Release Date: February 13, 2001
• Genre: Jazz

Review

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." Carter's brief quote of "Seven Steps to Heaven" during the closing original, "Mi Tempo," is enough to make one skip a heartbeat. When Skies Are Grey contains nothing ambitious or wildly innovative -- just great, accessible music. Fans of Stephen Scott in particular can't miss with this one. ~ David R. Adler, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Loose Change	Ron Carter	Ron Carter	(7:08)
Besame Mucho	Sunny Skylar, Consuelo Velázquez	Ron Carter	(7:05)
Caminando	Ron Carter	Ron Carter	(7:08)
Que' Pasa	Ron Carter	Ron Carter	(5:30)
Corocuado	Antonio Carlos Jobim	Ron Carter	(7:22)
Cubano Chant	Ray Bryant	Ron Carter	(6:00)
Mi Tiempo	Ron Carter	Ron Carter	(8:12)

Credits

Stephen Scott (Piano), Ron Carter (Bass), Ron Carter (Main Performer), Jim Anderson (Engineer), Jim Anderson (Mixing Engineer), Steve Kroon (Percussion), Harvey Mason, Sr. (Drums), Takehiko Tokiwa (Cover Photo), Yoshiko Tsuge (A&R), Kaoru Taku (Art Direction), Yoshio Okazaki (Mastering)