 |
 |
|
 |  |  |  | | | | Welcome! | In 2005, Ron Carter, the world’s most respected jazz bassist, tapped me to write his biography.
Join me as I embark on telling Ron’s remarkable story that pivots on an early experience in the '50s when as an aspiring classical cellist/bassist, his dream was crushed when renowned conductor Leopold Stokowski told him that symphony “audiences are not ready for black players.” Rather than dwell in defeat, Ron chose to focus on jazz bass and went on to become the innovator who Miles Davis dubbed as the “anchor” of his classic ‘60s quintet. Today, Ron reigns as the most recorded bassist in popular music history—as well as one of jazz's most esteemed artists.
Rather than approach this NEA Jazz Master’s story in a conventional publishing manner, I’ve opted to pursue the biography in an unprecedented manner through ArtistShare. My project will present an intimate portrait of Ron’s never-before-told story via online audio, video, photo galleries and blogs as well as in a printed book to be published later this year.
As a veteran jazz journalist, I’m honored that Ron asked me to write his biography. During the past 25 years, writing for such publications as DownBeat, Stereophile and Billboard has taken me throughout the world to interview hundreds of musicians from Dizzy Gillespie to Frank Zappa to Norah Jones. (See my bio at the “About Dan” link.) Ron’s story stands out as the most compelling of all.
His dogged perseverance in the face of societal obstacles not only made him a phenomenal bassist but also a role model for thousands of aspiring musicians worldwide. This May he turns 70. He is living proof that a creative mind alive and attuned continues to grow and inspire.
For this endeavor to succeed, I’m enlisting the financial support of jazz aficionados such as you. As part of the ArtistShare model, fans fund projects in exchange for the privilege of being part of the creative process. In light of this, I’m inviting you to participate in the project. (See "Participant" section, at right, for details.)
With your participation, Ron’s story will be told for the first time. More importantly, by chronicling Ron’s legacy, which is our country’s shared legacy, we will be documenting an invaluable chapter of jazz for future generations.
Best regards,
Dan
Photo by Dan Ouellette | | |
|
| | | |
|
 | | Upcoming Stu Brinin Gallery
| 6/11/2007 - Coming soon! Photographer Stu Brinin premieres his superb exhibit of Ron Carter photos.
Please note: The reproduction or use of
any photographs on this website is strictly prohibited without the consent of the photographers. All photographs are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws. Read More >> | | |
|
|
 |
|
|
| | | | | | | Ron on using pedal tones in Miles 5tet |  | Ron talks about using bass pedal tones in Miles' quintet in a conversation that then leads to a recent gig he had playing in Rodney Green's band at a... |  | |
|
| | | |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|