Ron Carter Explores Jazz-Gospel Roots with Ricky Dillard on “Sweet, Sweet Spirit”
Ron Carter holds the Guinness World Record for the most recorded jazz bassist of all time, with over 2,200 recording credits on his résumé. That includes over 50 albums as a leader since his solo debut, Where?, in 1961. As prolific as he has been, Carter has never stopped innovating, and he’s proving that again with a new album.
Sweet, Sweet Spirit is a Jazz-Gospel hybrid project featuring Choirmaster Ricky Dillard. Described as a first-of-its-kind record, it serves as a tribute to Carter’s mother, Willie O. Carter.
“The hymns on this album have an independent and deep history for the gospel community, in addition to having been integrated weekly into the life and musical development of the Carter family in the intimate Detroit church community they attended. A church which depended solely on the voices of the parishioners as instruments,” the maestro’s website explains. “When Willie O. Carter was on bed rest toward the end of her life she asked her son to sit with her and sing the hymns of his childhood to keep her spirits elevated in musical reminiscence. Mr. Carter promptly went home, recorded himself composing his bass lines integrated with the hymns, for his mother to enjoy during the final weeks of her life.”
Carter played the music for Blue Note president Don Was and explained its personal history. The concept for what would become Sweet Sweet Spirit was born. Hear Dillard and Carter talk about the making of the album:
Carter’s exquisite bass lines drive the music as usual, but with the addition of a gospel choir, the entire experience feels even more lifted.
Check out “Pass Me Not,” which features a retro groove that even gets a little funky.
Sweet, Sweet Spirit is available now on CD and as a digital download (Apple Music, and Amazon Music).
Sweet, Sweet Spirit Tracklist:
- Open My Eyes
- Everybody Will Be Happy
- Pass Me Not
- Father Along
- Just A Closer Walk With Thee
- In The Garden
- Just A Little Talk With Jesus
- Softly and Tenderly
- No Tears in Heaven
- Sweet, Sweet Spirit
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
