Ron Carter's latest endeavour, The Brown Beatnik Tomes, is a captivating collaboration with poet and painter Danny Simmons. Released on 7 June 2019 via Blue Note Records, this live album is a unique fusion of jazz, poetry, and visual art. Recorded at Brooklyn's BRIC House, the performance features Simmons reading from his 2014 book, The Brown Beatnik Tomes, accompanied by Carter's masterful bass playing and projections of Simmons' striking Abstract Expressionist paintings.
The album is a testament to the versatility and creativity of both artists, as they transform Simmons' poetry into a stirring multimedia experience. Carter, a legendary jazz bassist with over 2,200 recording sessions to his name, brings his signature style to the performance, while Simmons' powerful poetry and captivating stage presence make for a compelling listen.
The tracklist features a range of pieces, including "For A Pistol - Live", "The Final Stand Of Two Dick Willie - Live", and "Here's To Oscar - Live", a tribute to pioneering bebop bassist Oscar Pettiford. The album also includes guest performances, such as a spoken word piece by Liza Jessie Peterson on "Where Do I Begin".
With its blend of jazz, hard bop, cool jazz, and bebop, The Brown Beatnik Tomes is an album that will appeal to fans of Ron Carter and Danny Simmons, as well as those interested in innovative and interdisciplinary art. The result is a powerful and moving performance that showcases the talents of two creative visionaries.
Vinylscout