Mark Carter
-
Smooth As Silk
El Dorado born Mark
Carter lives since his youth in South California. Influenced by the
great Wes Montgomery he choose smooth jazz to his genre. Over the
years, Carter has had the chance to perform with some of the biggest
names in modern music like Dave Koz, Eric Marienthal, Al Jarreau, The
Coasters, Engelbert Humperdink, Rogers Williams and The Drifters.
“I’ve always felt
that music often communicates better than words, and I’m always
seeking to make that special connection,” Mark comments. “I remember
when I was first starting out, I looked out in the audience and saw a
woman smiling at something I was playing. There was a certain warmth
to her look that told me I was getting through to her on a emotional
level. I feel that's what God wants us to do, connect with others in
any way we can.”
Mark Carter's debut
was It's About Time (2001), followed by West Coast Groove
(2005). On his new album Smooth As Silk Mark is still been
playing his Gibson 335 electric guitar, now for over 27 years. The new
album was produced by Mark and his friend Tim Refield, who also
performed on this album keyboards, drum loops, bass and synth. Guest
musicians on this album are Greg Adams (flugelhorn, former member of
Tower of Power), Sean Holt (sax), and Jeff Kashiwa (sax).
The album starts with a cover of Walking In Rhythm featuring
Greg Adams on flugelhorn. The original was released by the Blackbyrds
on their second album Flying Start (1975). That album was
produced by jazz legend Donald Byrd, the founder and mentor of the
group. Greg's horn solo levels the tune from a standard to something
special worth a listening.
There's That Girl
features sax player Sean Holt. Sean performed with Ricky Lawson,
Kenny Loggins and Michael Bolton. He also sees himself as a crooner,
gospel singer, as well as Rock & Roll, and Funk. It's no wonder
that this tune has a rockish attitude.
The bell voices of
Tim Redfield's keyboards pitch into Christmas feeling. Mark's smooth
guitar sound warms listener's heart on Being With You, a cover
of Smokey Robinson's huge hit (1981). Seek
your personal fireplace.
Who can better play
the sax on Funky Like Dat! than Jeff Kashiwa, former member of
The Rippingtons. Tim Redfield's clavinet sound perfectly fits into
this funky groove. Talk To Me Brother showcases more of Mark's
talent as guitar player and writer. Tim Redfield's short piano solo
gives this tune that extra thing.
The up-tempo
Carnival Time brightens up everybody's mood and awakes lust for
dancing. The heartfelt I Know presents anew sax player Jeff
Kashiwa. It's a cover of Luther Vandross' title song from the album
I Know (1998). Mark's clear and melodious guitar meets Jeff's soulful sax in
an awesome duet.
April's Kiss
features anew the great Greg Adams on flugelhorn. Horn meets guitar
and in between jump Tim Redfield's keyboard sounds. A tune with Greg
never fails. This song has a remarkable improvement from start to
finish.
Old Days is
certainly a highlight of the album. Mark outgrows himself showing more
of his extraordinaire guitar skills.
The last tune City
Of Angels gives me the opportunity to spotlight Mark Carter's
great support Tim Redfield. Tim is one of those shy keyboardists,
always performing in the background. He played with Brian Culbertson (Secrets)
and Steve Reid (Passion In Paradise) and was also on Mark's
debut album. He did again a fantastic job on this album.
Guitarist Mark Carter
has a great potential. We will certainly listen to more of his albums
in the future. There is no better proof for this fact than Smooth
As Silk.
- Mark Carter - Website
- Bio
- Buy the album at
- Title: Smooth As Silk
Artist: Mark Carter
Year: 2007
Length: 0:42:31
Genre: Smooth Jazz
Label: Mark Carter
Tracks:
01 Walking In Rhythm [3:32]
02 There's That Girl [3:46]
03 Being With You [4:16]
04 Funky Like Dat! [4:14]
05 Talk To Me Brother [3:31]
06 Carnival Time [3:50]
07 I Know [5:21]
08 April's Kiss [4:42]
09 Old Days [3:55]
10 City Of Angels [5:24]
