5 Simple Tips for a Lifetime of Better Bass Playing:
In my decades of teaching I’ve found that there are core elements I’ve taught consistently. From beginners to conservatory students setting these goals has helped them all. Check them out and let me know what you think! 1. LET THE BASS HELP YOU: If you fight the bass, it will win. The key is evenness. Play good notes, make the sound happen elegantly. Your right hand needs to be relaxed. When I play, my right hand is relaxed and it pivots like a fulcrum.
2. CONTROL EVERY NOTE so they are all the same length. The note length impacts form, groove, pitch and dynamic presence. 3. LEARN THE SONG FORM: It is hard to know when to stop your solo if you are not keeping track of the form. 4. PRACTICE 2 HOURS A DAY, EVERY DAY: For younger students this may have to be 1 hour, but the consistency is the point. No cramming five hours one day and then nothing for days after that.
5. PRACTICE WITH PURPOSE: Have a specific goal for every practice session. Decide what you want the student accomplish and tell them to stay focused on that objective only for each practice.
From Maestro’s Music Vault:
See Sarah Vaughn’s 1986 concert with an all-star band including… guess who?
Ron Carter’s Recording Plan for Mr. Bow Tie Album:
Here is a map I drew for my recording session of the album Mr. Bow Tie. I do this for all my own albums.
To keep things moving along, there are 3 rules I have for EVERY recording session:
1. No friends hanging out and watching. It’s a serious business effort, friends do not add anything and usually are a distraction.
2. No idle conversation, no going out for a smoke, etc. Someone’s solo might get cut if there is no longer the time for it!
3. The engineer is the time keeper. He lets me know with each tune how close we are to the schedule, and I make decisions based on getting the whole project done within the allotted time.
Upcoming Events:
Maestro Carter spends much of his time on the bandstand. Visit www.roncarterjazz.com to view his performance schedule and find tickets!
About Ron Carter:
Legendary bassist at the forefront of jazz, rock, and hip-hop for 60 years
3 Time Grammy Winner
Member of Miles Davis’ Second Great Quintet from 1963 to 1968
Guinness World Record 2015: most recorded jazz bassist
Author of 10 teaching books and big band and small ensemble scores and parts
Professor Emeritus at Juilliard, Berklee, Manhattan School of Music, and City College of New York
Recipient of 8 Honorary Doctorates, most recently from Yale University in 2025
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5 Simple Tips for a Lifetime of Better Bass Playing:
In my decades of teaching I’ve found that there are core elements I’ve taught consistently. From beginners to conservatory students setting these goals has helped them all. Check them out and let me know what you think! 1. LET THE BASS HELP YOU: If you fight the bass, it will win. The key is evenness. Play good notes, make the sound happen elegantly. Your right hand needs to be relaxed. When I play, my right hand is relaxed and it pivots like a fulcrum.2. CONTROL EVERY NOTE so they are all the same length. The note length impacts form, groove, pitch and dynamic presence. 3. LEARN THE SONG FORM: It is hard to know when to stop your solo if you are not keeping track of the form. 4. PRACTICE 2 HOURS A DAY, EVERY DAY: For younger students this may have to be 1 hour, but the consistency is the point. No cramming five hours one day and then nothing for days after that.5. PRACTICE WITH PURPOSE: Have a specific goal for every practice session. Decide what you want the student accomplish and tell them to stay focused on that objective only for each practice.
Ron Carter’s Recording Plan for Mr. Bow Tie Album:
Here is a map I drew for my recording session of the album Mr. Bow Tie. I do this for all my own albums.
To keep things moving along, there are 3 rules I have for EVERY recording session:
1. No friends hanging out and watching. It’s a serious business effort, friends do not add anything and usually are a distraction.
2. No idle conversation, no going out for a smoke, etc. Someone’s solo might get cut if there is no longer the time for it!
3. The engineer is the time keeper. He lets me know with each tune how close we are to the schedule, and I make decisions based on getting the whole project done within the allotted time.
Upcoming Events:
Maestro Carter spends much of his time on the bandstand. Visit www.roncarterjazz.com to view his performance schedule and find tickets!
From Maestro’s Music Vault:
Rare jazz video for your listening pleasure!
Bass – Ron Carter Drums – Louis Hayes Piano – Mulgrew Miller Vibes – Steve Nelson
Celebrating the opening of the FB Lounge in Harlem, January 2010
Technical playing ability is one thing – knowing the role of the bass player in the band is just as important!
Recently I came across a long-lost piece of sheet music, including the lyrics which are rarely heard, to Mr. Bow Tie, one of my compositions.
I wrote this musical tribute to my father in 1997. Since then I’ve recorded it 3 times as a solo and with 2 different quartets. If you’ve ever seen me perform live, there’s a good chance you’ve heard it without the lyrics in any number of arrangements.
To honor all fathers on their big day, I decided to turn it into a framed poster The lyrics (written by Steve Kroon) clearly express the love and respect I have for my parents.
If I don’t mind saying so myself, I am a Maestro in the kitchen – and my chef oeuvre is making delicious, healthy applesauce. Using Jazz apples whenever I can get them (yes, there is such a thing as a Jazz apple!)
Not one to make a mess, I use an apron of course. And I made one with my personal Jazz Applesauce recipe printed on the apron, and a playlist curated to go with each step of the process. Scan the QR code to listen while you cook!
I like nothing more than spending time with my son and grandsons. I enjoy puzzles of all kinds, and I made this one specifically because it is a challenge.
For those who are feint of heart, it can be 1,000 pieces. But for Maestros of the puzzle, go for 2,000 pieces. Both featuring the cover of the book Ron Carter: The Smithsonian Interview.
Thank you to Jon Fadem, who captured one of my solos from the front row during my 88th birthday residency at Blue Note NYC
Photo: Sim One, LLC
One night’s set lists. A splendid time was had by all!
Photo: Sim One, LLC
With Rachel Smith of WKCR with whom I had a wonderful interview, as part of their generous 24-hour broadcast of my music and live broadcast of the May 4th concert.
Photo: Claudio Strebel
Rachel Smith curated an absolutely wonderful playlist of my music for their birthday broadcast. Click on the pic to listen!
A pic from table 6 at Blue Note NYC, with my commemorative star (along with Jim Hall and Dave Frishberg honoring our 1989 appearances).
Photo: Sim One, LLC
I cannot express my gratitude enough to the wonderful crew at Blue Note NYC. They always make our time there so professional and pleasant, we’re glad they’re part of the Team Maestro family!Mac MacFarland, Manager: Celebrating 16 years with the Blue Note family. The smooth voice behind the mike. An avid listener of Maestro since 1963.
Nelima Kerre, AGM: Celebrating 10 years & the true heart and soul of Blue Note Club .
Dionne Dilks, General Manager: The newest to the team & enjoying the uniqueness of working at such an iconic club.
Nathan House, Manager: Music enthusiast and lover of NY & Village.
And to everyone behind the scenes without whom none of it would be possible, Ryan, Ashley, Sarah, Alex and crew!
On May 19 I was deeply honored to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Yale University.
Photo: Michael Marsland
2025 Yale Honorary Doctorate Honorants
Back row, from left, Frances H. Arnold, Ronald L. Carter, Michael B. Curry ’78 M.Div., and Peter B. Moore ’61.
Front row, Debbie Allen, Henry Louis “Skip” Gates, Jr. ’73, President Maurie McInnis, Annette Gordon-Reed, and Fei-Fei Li.
SAVE THE DATE!!
Next Subscriber Zoom Call is
APRIL 27 AT 5PM EASTERNYour invitation will arrive via email that morningHave your questions ready to type into the chat!
Photo: @vascodixon taken at The Nash 2/22/25
We had a wonderful run at Catalina’s in LA in March.
Photo: Gregory L. Moore
Everyone came out in March to celebrate the great Lenny White. Here I am backstage with Stanley Clarke and Matt Garrison, with the bass Matt’s dad Jimmy played.
Photo: Sim One, LLC
Got to spend some time with some pretty impressive company! L-R: Yours Truly, Stanley Clarke, John Pattitucci
Photo: Sim One, LLC
My 88th birthday is right around the corner, ladies and gents…
To celebrate, I have made a special playlist to listen to as we approach my week-long birthday residency at Blue Note New York. These songs were selected by Yours Truly with my journey through jazz in mind… Give the playlist a listen before attending one of my birthday performances for a little auditory primer.
Track list:
A Blues for Bradley
A Song for You
Mr. Bow Tie
Anything Goes
Eight
El Rompe Cabeza
First Trip
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
Little Waltz
O.K.
The Same 12 Tones
Peg Leg
P.S.: Do keep in mind that this is not a setlist for my 88th Birthday Celebration concerts at Blue Note New York… To find that out, you’ll simply have to come see for yourself. 😉
This August, I will see you at the DC JazzFest in Washington, DC, where I will be playing as one of the Artists in Residence on August 31st.
My experience last year as an Artist in Residence alongside Corcoran Holt is one I look back on fondly… Here we are together at the 2024 DC JazzFest. As you can see, #PlanetElegance was out in full force that day 😉
We are now a mere two days away from a musical collaboration I have been greatly looking forward to: “Reflections on Monk and Bach,” a jazz-classical fusion concert starring Yours Truly and ETHEL at Carnegie Hall.
Here is the set list you can look forward to:
MONK « Well, You Needn’t » (arr. Tom Darter)
MONK « Rhythm-A-Ning » (arr. Tom Darter)
MONK « Crepuscle with Nellie » (arr. Tom Darter)
MONK « Off Minor » (arr. Tom Darter)
MONK « Epistrophy » (arr. Tom Darter)
MONK « Round Midnight » (arr. Tom Darter)
MONK « Misterioso » (arr. Tom Darter)
ELLINGTON « It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t
Got That Swing » (arr. Tom Darter)
ELLINGTON / MILEY « Black and Tan Fantasy »
(arr. Tom Darter)
MONK « Brilliant Corners » (arr. Ralph Farris)
J. S. BACH Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 (arr. Ron Carter)
RON CARTER « Tail Feathers » (arr. Kip Jones)
RON CARTER « Song for a Friend » (arr. Dorothy Lawson)
TRAD. « Just a Closer Walk with Thee » (arr. Ron Carter)
DAN FRIEL « Valedictorian » (arr. Kip Jones)
I hope to see you there as we search for THOSE notes, ladies and gentlemen… The date is March 13th, and the time is 7:30 PM EST. Find your tickets via www.RonCarterJazz.com or by scanning the Q-R code above.
Meanwhile, I invite you to enjoy this video of the five of us playing « Black and Tan Fantasy » as a taste of what’s to come.
Click here to listen to the five of us play « Black and Tan Fantasy. »
ETHEL– composed of Dorothy Lawson, Ralph Farris, Kip Jones, and Corin Lee– is a Grammy-winning string quartet known for their innovative approach to chamber music. They are led by cellist Dorothy Lawson, a graduate of Julliard and one of the band’s founding members many years ago. In addition to her prodigious works as a performer, Ms. Lawson is also a fellow music educator, teaching at Mannes College here in New York City. As many of you may recall, I began my own musical journey as a cello player, and it is great fun to collaborate with a master of the instrument.
Photo by Matthew Murphy
I recently had the pleasure to work with Mr. Joseph Giuseppe De Gregorio today, at the always soundworthy Van Gelder Studio… Stay tuned for more information coming soon. 😉
Photos courtesy of Adrian H. Tillmann.
Here is my answer to a question about Gil Scott-Herron which was posed to me during an online interview with an email subscriber.
“Now, I’d like to talk with you about your studio experience with Mr. Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson. Your bass performance featured was foremost on the record. What were your impressions of these sessions?” – Donald Gleesing
My response: “This guy, Gil Scott-Heron is a visionary. Hopefully his voice will carry the weight that the lyrics of this song refer to and make some persons walk a different path.”
Thank you to Mr. Donald Geesling for keeping the music alive. In these times of global transitions it is deeply important.
There’s much to look forward to here on #PlanetElegance this week, ladies and gentlemen… Especially this Thursday, March 13th, when I shall be finding THOSE notes at Carnegie Hall once again! Joining me will be ETHEL, a Grammy-winning string quartet known for their innovative approach to chamber music. They have blended classical technique with a wide range of musical influences, including jazz, rock, and contemporary classical over the years, with a body of more than 250 premiered works.
The members of ETHEL include…
Dorothy Lawson on cello, leader and co-founder of ETHEL as well as a fellow music educator.
Ralph Farris on viola, artistic director and co-founder of ETHEL as well as a Grammy-nominated arranger.
Kip Jones on violin, a prolific performer and composer.
And Corin Lee on violin, an award-winning violinist and humanitarian.
We shall be playing from the repetoire of Bach, Monk, Ellington, and more… I hope to see you there, ladies and gents. Get your tickets via www.RonCarterJazz.com or by scanning the QR codes in this email!
In other news, fun was had and THOSE notes were found at The Nash in Phoenix, Arizona late last month with Donald Vega and Lewis Nash. We even enjoyed a surprise visit by the notable Mr. George Benson, as photographed below by Joel Goldenthal:
Recently, the following clip crossed my inbox for you fine folks to enjoy: a bass solo from Yours Truly MC Solaar’s “Un Ange en Danger” (1994).
Click here to view the video
Looking forward to seeing you at one of my events soon, ladies and gents.
Ron Carter1 commence à jouer du violoncelle à l’âge de dix ans. Lorsque sa famille déménage dans la ville de Détroit au Michigan, il connaît la violence urbaine et est confronté aux stéréotypes racistes que prêche la classe musicale américaine à son époque. Après ses études secondaires à la Cass Technical High School(en), Carter est accepté à l’École de musique Eastman de Rochester (équivalent de nos conservatoires supérieurs de musique). En 1959, il reçoit son Bachelor of Arts (licence) ainsi qu’un Master of Arts (mastère 1) de la Manhattan School of Music en 19612. Le Chef d’orchestre Leopold Stokowski, impressionné par jeu voudrait l’engager, mais les orchestres philharmoniques de l’époque n’étaient pas encore prêts pour embaucher des Afro-Américains, aussi Ron Carter se tourne-t-il vers le Jazz1,3.
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