J A M E S
C A R T E R
James Carter Quartet
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​​The James Carter Quartet was formed after an 18-month residency at a Melbourne venue saw these four musicians create a distinct and individual sound. This music combines the energy and tradition of American Jazz, the sensitivity and melodic intricacy of European improvised music and the ​chamber-like qualities of Western ​Classical ​music.
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Trained in the tradition of Jazz and Improvised music, these musicians share a desire to create a simpler sound. Their debut album After All was recorded in October 2011 at Newmarket Studios, mixed and mastered by Philip Rex and distributed through Newmarket Music. The majority of the material was composed by James Carter as a suite after a period of study in New York City, and could be likened to a song cycle
in classical music or a concept album in popular music.

Featuring James Carter on alto saxophone, Christian Meyer on guitar, Daniel Sheehan on piano and Ben Christensen on double bass, the group is made up of young musicians who are beginning to make an impact on the Melbourne music scene. Their debut album After All is currently distributed through Newmarket Music and was launched to critical acclaim at Bennetts Lane Jazz Club in 2012. It is available for purchase online or in store nationally at JB Hi-Fi, online at iTunes and Amazon, and in store at all good independent retailers.
P r o j e c t s
Carter/Magnusson Duo
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Darkest Light is the second release from Melbourne saxophonist James Carter. Following his debut album After All in 2012, James pursued private study in New York City with Jean-Michel Pilc, Ellery Eskelin and Will Vinson, and completed a Masters degree in Music Performance. These experiences led James to compose and compile the music featured on this album, and presented an opportunity to record with revered Melbourne musician Stephen Magnusson.
With both musicians now regular contributors to the Melbourne music scene, the collaboration of these distinct voices created an exciting platform on which to launch Darkest Light. The work was recorded in 2015 at Pughouse Studios, mixed and mastered by Niko Schauble and digitally launched and distributed through Newmarket Music in 2017. It features six compositions by James, two by close friend and frequent collaborator Christian Meyer, and a stunning piece by Stephen Magnusson and Carl Pannuzzo entitled So It Goes. As the album progresses, Carter and Magnusson are joined by extraordinary drummer Dave Beck and sublime vocalist Tom Barton. Together, they weave a textural soundscape that is both fuelled with intense fire and steeped in yearning fragility.
Darkest Light aims to reflect the hope that begins to break through after a period of melancholy. It serves as a representation of the stepping-stone between grief, resurrection and redemption that defines the human condition. It attempts to illuminate the idea that not all is lost and, upon reflection, there is a great deal to be learned from embracing the arduous experiences we often face.
