Ron Carter – Bass

Every time I try a Ron Carter part, I remember why I hardly every try Ron Carter parts. His intonation and phrasing are so idiosyncratic, I am never sure what is going on for more than a couple of bars at a time. This one starts with what my ears is telling me is an Eb lower than the bass usually goes but I can’t change it because that is what I hear. Anyone know if he ever tunes down or used an extension?

The tune is called ‘Arboretum’ and was written by drummer Tony Williams for his ‘1985 ‘Foreign Intrigue’ album. I understand he was studying composition and this one started as a fugue. Carter also recorded the tune on his earlier ‘Etudes’ album which has no keyboard instrument, just horns, bass and drums. It’s a great tune but RC plays it ‘wrong’ as I hear it but then doesn’t really. It drives me nuts. The transcription is the head only from the 1985 Williams album.