Kendall Carter Introducing

Kendall Carter
Introducing
LLadnek Music

A Louisville Kentucky native, Kendall Carter is an emerging name on the Hammond B-3. Also an educator, he has caught the ear of guitarist Dave Stryker who produced this recording and played guitar. Kelly Phelps plays drums on this organ trio recording. Kendall cites Jimmy McGriff, Shirley Scott, and Charles Earland as among the inspirations and influences that led to his personal style. This session is mostly of familiar tunes to allow Kendall's audience to get a feel for his playing in a traditional context and with a familiar repertoire.

There is nothing fancy or exotic about this recording. Listeners are treated to a solid, straight-ahead organ jazz trio recording. Things start with a reworking of a Jackson 5 recording, "Blame It On the Boogie," into a striking shuffle as Carter states the theme as Stryker adds chords with Phelps subtly pushing the performance follows. Next up is a rendition of "Afro Blue," with the version quietly building in intensity with Stryker stating the theme while Carter lay down a rhythmic cushion and then solos. Bill Withers' "Lovely Day" allows more interplay between Carter and Stryker, followed by an energetic rendering of Kenny Dorham's "Short Story."

While the tunes may be familiar, Carter's selection of compositions is fresh. Carla Bley's "Lawns" is taken at a very leisurely pace, followed by a sparkling rendition of Lee Morgan's "Speedball." A lovely treatment of Sam River's "Beatrice" followed by a chicken fried interpretation of "This Masquerade Is Over." Carter's original "Punjabi Affair has an intriguing melody line, while Carter's church roots is reflected in "That's All," taken at a languid tempo.

Stryker contributed "Blues For Kendall," which is taken at a walking tempo and provides the album's final showcase for Carter's deep soul organ talents and Stryker's nuanced fretwork. This recording is a notable introduction to a distinctive new voice on the organ and a first-rate jazz organ trio recording.

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here is "Lovely Day."