The 87-year-old double bassist has a Birdland residency in October.
The Rehearsal
Ten performers tell us how theyre preparing in the days before their big fall shows.
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Youve likely heard Ron Carter play, even if you may not have realized it.
I went to Cass Tech in Detroit and you had to audition to get in and all that stuff.
One from one that means zero; I saw I need a bass player so Ill be that guy.
So I was the guy and I talked to the conductor.
He said to me, Young man, I like the way you play.
I hear good things about you.
So I graduated in June, 1959.
I moved to New York City in August that same year.
Ive had a relationship with Birdland since the 1960s when they were on Broadway and 52nd street.
Audiences dont stay out as late.
They know what it should sound like in the club.
They dont mind paying the money to hear it.
And in general, theyre pretty well behaved.
People dont realize how much of an influence a good bass player can be with any size group.
Any size jazz group.
Were not just hanging around in the background behind the palm trees.
Are the strings higher or different because of the weather changed, those kind of details.
I dont have any preshow ritual like some guys do.
I dont have any anxiety because I know Im supposed to be there.
I cant afford to have any favorite collaborators.
That would mean the 2000 artists are not as good and thats not the case at all.
Theyre all important to me.
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