Woodshed Jazz Magazine 

  REGINA CARTER "SOUTHERN COMFORT"

     

   Review by Bridgid Brousseau

 

“The true mission of the violin is to imitate the accents of the human voice, a noble mission that has earned for the violin the glory of being called the king of instruments.” - Charles-Auguste de Beriot­-

 

With the violin being the “king of instruments,” Regina Carter is one of our reigning queens!The oldest documented violin to have four strings, like the modern violin, is supposed to have been constructed in 1555, but the exact date is unknown.

 

Legend has it that Jazz violinist Regina Carter does not reveal her age but it seems this violin virtuoso has the proven skills and talent of one that has been playing since that date. It is no wonder that she was awarded a coveted 2006 MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Fellowship and has since evolved into one of the foremost violinists of her time.

 

Since releasing her first solo album, self-titled, “Regina Carter” in 1995, she has released eight albums including her latest release of “Southern Comfort.”Regina Carter is a master of improvisational jazz. She encompasses all of the sounds, styles and influences on “Southern Comfort” including Classical, Jazz, Gospel, R&B, Soul, Swing, Bebop, Folk and even Rock ‘n’ Roll. She maintains the historically classical style of the violin while intertwining her own signature finesse and African roots.

 

This all-encompassing embodiment of skills is also attributed to Regina’s extensive musical upbringing and background that includes having accompanied performers such as Wynton Marsalis, Aretha Franklin, Lauryn Hill, Mary J. Blige, Billy Joel, and Dolly Parton. She also played with Max Roach and Oliver Lake, as well as being in the String Trio of New York.

 

The violin is one of the most difficult instruments to master. Impressionism was traditionally used to describe visual art. The term also describes music and cannot describe Regina Carter more accurately with her diligent use of moods, exotic scales, textures, emotions and colorful instrumentation.In the hands of a good player, the violin is extremely agile. Regina Carter executes every technical aspect of the violin with seeming ease.

 

From blue notes, trills, and accidentals, to natural and artificial harmonics Regina Carter has it covered. She masterfully displays her expertise utilizing every possible articulation with precision. She exercises various methods of attack producing infinite articulations. She transitions from being very delicate to sudden and forceful. She does it all!

 

This is the type of CD that any listener can sit back relax, escape and enjoy. I got lost in it.“EASY” is a quick, lively, fast tempo that increases in expression like that of an intense drama building and coming to a swift quick conclusion. The cymbals provide an awesome crescendo in the beginning. “Easy is played with increasing animation, liveliness, and expression. It has a folk music feel to it.

 

Regina’s bowing techniques are masterful.“It Ain’t Me Babe” caught me pleasantly off guard. It starts out as a funkier track with the guitar but the vocals provide for a spiritual feel. It has catchy key changes and Regina accentuates the vocals in just the right places to tie it all together. At the end there are just the percussion and vocals to close it out which makes for a thought provoking ending. It is a short song, yet very powerful.

 

While “Paying Double” starts off with a rock vibe it also has a spiritual message. This is what I love about Regina Carter. I cannot anticipate where the tune is going as with some artists. This track delivers just what the title implies. It is reminiscent of a sophisticated version of “dueling banjoes.” With the battle being between a rocking guitar and violin. The battle continues until the smooth, religious vocals intervene. “Sugar Mama” and “Somethin Else have country feels to them. “Sugar Mama” is the slowest melody on the album and has a country ballad feel to it.

 

Regina exhibits her control and use of vibrato on this one. There is great harmony as well. In technical violin terms this would be described as “adagio.” It has a slow, leisurely tempo. Both of the songs are played with high emotion, sweetly, softly and gently.“Need My Baby” and “Netti, Netti” are my two favorite picks on “Southern Comfort.” It’s a non-stop ride. With the cello and percussion the listener is taken on a ride with variation in pace. There is a crescendo in just the right place. There is so much going on with just the right combinations. This is an exciting track. I listened to it several times and would hear something new each time.

 

Regina seems to effortlessly execute rapid and difficult sequences of notes throughout the entire track. The percussion is awesome on this one. I just love this song! “NETTI, NETTI” has a sweet, southern swag. It starts with two riffs that give the song two different styles yet the melody is clear. It has impeccable timing and sentiment with a funky pace and feel . Great key changes as well. This is an exciting piece played in a lively, spirited manner.

 

I have often asked Jazz artists if the lyrics or the title to the song come first. The answer has always varied. I have yet to determine if knowing the title of the songs impacts the way in which I listen to it. In other words, is knowledge of the title before the song starts like knowing the answer to a question before it is asked? This is how I felt about “Walking by Myself.” This is exactly the vision this track created. Reflecting, I actually felt sad and alone as strange as that may read. I needed a “pick me up” after this one. Mission accomplished Regina Carter! Where’s my bottle of Southern Comfort? I would like to know where the inspiration behind this solemn track comes from. It is beautifully expressed. I love it.

 

“Walking By Myself” is played very passionately and with intense emotion and feeling.“Train Time” feels just like a train ride with the bass as the locomotive engineer. It is a ride with a different scene to behold at every turn that one never wants to end but you feel it coming to a nice, smooth halt. All aboard! “Found a New Love” This song has no percussion and does not need it because Regina keeps her own pace.

 

This song is very soulful and heartfelt. It jams with an accentuated guitar solo. There is an awesome harmony between violin and guitar. It is obvious that Regina is feeling this one because the dynamic level is changed so instantaneously with clear intention.

 

“Found a New Love” is filled with texture. “Same Old Blues” has a consistent beat throughout with very smooth guitar accompaniment. The shift in the notes is hard and deliberate. This song is ornamental with fantastic rhythmic emphasis and accentuation. This is a powerful song. I enjoyed the key changes that were performed throughout with a smooth, flowing ease.

 

“Southern Comfort” is indisputable proof that Regina Carter has complete mastery of over every aspect of the violin. As a fan of her music and accomplishments I await in great anticipation of what her future albums will bring.

 

Regina Carter has unmatched skills, style and talent. She exemplifies the consummate professional. There is nothing more beautiful to behold than a musical artist in motion. One does not have to be an ethnomusicologist to know that Regina Carter has a very long successful musical path ahead of her with the unabashed freedom, skills and creativity to continue to be a major contributor to a tradition to be passed on for many musical generations to come.