Alan Chase's Jazz Universe

The Wire May 10 - 16, 2006

Three CDs by regional musicians that recently came across my desk that are worth checking out. All three put the guitar front and center. First up is "Act I" by Steve Carter on Frogstory Records (www.frogstoryrecords.com), a sublime solo guitar disc that highlights Carter's warm sound and thoughtful solo work on an extended collection of standards. Carter, who's been heard at local venues such as the Crescent City Bistro in Dover, is a fluid player with a keen sense of melodic development that doesn't succumb to virtuoso pyrotechnics. Tunes range from Billie Holiday's "God Bless the Child" to Herbie Hancock's "Dolphin Dance" to Jobim's "Once I Loved." A fine set by an equally fine musician.