Finding the Right Notes

The soundtrack to the 2022 PBS documentary about legendary jazz bassist Ron Carter, Finding the Right Notes showcases the musicians deeply intimate and nuanced small group, duo, and big band work. While the film explores the life and decades-long career of the iconic bassist, from his storied years with Miles Davis to his own varied solo projects, the album is primarily focused on the latter. In that sense, it feels less like a career-spanning compilation and more like a thoughtfully curated studio or live album. There are some interesting previously unheard and rare recordings featured here, including a live take of Carters "Soft Winds" from the Newport Jazz Festival and a duet on "Willow Weep for Me" with bassist Christian McBride at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. Also included is Carters duet with pianist Jon Batiste on "Sweet Lorraine" and his recording of "Bags Groove" with bassist Stanley Clarke. These are magical pairings that reinforce just how deep the bassists intergenerational influence runs. Equally compelling is his take on "My Mans Gone Now" with Bill Frisell off the guitarists 2005 East/West album. We also get several tracks culled from Carters 2014 collaboration with Germanys WDR Big Band, My Personal Songbook, as well as some songs featuring his small group with pianist Renee Rosnes and saxophonist Jimmy Greene. These are all warmly delivered performances that reveal the subtlety, lyricism, and mastery of Carters work. ~ Matt Collar