Regina Carter

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Regina Carter in 2007

Regina Carter (b. August 6, 1966) is an American jazz violinist. Carter was born in Detroit, Michigan, and began as a classical violinist but became increasingly interested in jazz , and is considered one of the finest violinists in the genre. She is the cousin of famous jazz saxophonist James Carter. Carter attended Cass Technical High School with close friend, Carla Cook, who was enthusiastic about jazz, and introduced her to the likes of Ella Fitzgerald. Cook went on to become a successful jazz singer. Carter received a degree in music from Oakland University and studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston before forging her jazz career. She began leading her first band, an "electric band."

Carter first came into the spotlight as the violinist for the all female jazz quintet "Straight Ahead," with Cynthia Dewberry, Gailyn Mckinney, Eilleen Orr, and Marion Hayden who Branford Marsalis was quoted as saying "They truly Swing" in the early to mid 90s. They released a trio of albums on the Atlantic Jazz label including their self titled debut, "Body & Soul", and "Look Straight Ahead." Carter went solo before the release of their third album 'Dance of the Forest Rain" and began an impressive run, establishing herself as a force in the jazz world on the violin. In December 2001, she played a concert in Genoa on Il Cannone Guarnerius, once owned and favoured by Niccolò Paganini. She later recorded Paganini: After a Dream for Verve Records on this violin that was made in 1743.^[1]

Active as an educator, mentor, and proponent of the Suzuki method, Carter has taught at numerous institutions, including at Berklee College of Music, and two appearances at Stanford Jazz Workshop.^[2]^[3]

She currently performs at the head of a quintet. In May 2006, she was touring with Mark Krose (clarinet), Xavier Davis (piano), Alvester Garnett (drums), and Matt Parish (double bass).

Carter was awarded a MacArthur Fellows Program grant, also known as a "genius grant," in September 2006.

[edit] Selected Discography

2006: I'll Be Seeing You: A Sentimental Journey
2003: Paganini: After a Dream
2001: Freefall
2000: Motor City Moments
2000: Motherland – Danilo Perez
1998: Rhythms of the Heart
1997: Something For Grace
1995: Regina Carter

[edit] References

W. Enstice, J. Stockhouse Jazzwomen. Conversations with 21 Musicians. Bloomington 2004. ISBN 0-253-34436-0, p. 65ff. (bio & interview)

^ "Regina Carter", Verve Records. Retrieved on 2007-04-17.
^ Susan M. Barbieri. "Motor City Maverick", Strings magazine No. 100. Retrieved on 2007-04-17.
^ Rob Hochschild. "String Master", Berklee News, 13 Feb 2001. Retrieved on 2007-04-17.