Rhythms of the Heart

Regina Carter | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 4, 1999)
• Original Release Date: May 4, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Polygram Records
• ASIN: B00000IP85
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #132,235 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Violinist Regina Carter's able to cover ample stylistic terrain without any sense of a tourist's itinerary. Her signature excursions on Rhythms of the Heart reveal a jaunty joie de vivre reminiscent of Stephane Grappelli, best showcased on "Lady Be Good" and Tadd Dameron's "Our Delight." But there are also credible forays into salsa with "Mojito," Afro-pop with "Mandingo Street" (featuring Cameroonian multi-instrumentalist and composer Richard Bona), and soulful reggae on a cover of the Temptations' "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," where vocalist Cassandra Wilson provides her trademark hushed refinement. A longtime sidewoman for trombonist Steve Turre and others, Carter proves adept at fostering ideal forums for her cohorts, particularly pianist Kenny Barron, whose tune "Cook's Bay" is a pastoral gem, and whose exchanges with Carter on "N.Y. Attitude" ensure that's there's a graceful depth to the song's brisk efficiency. Finally, don't overlook the pensive beauty of Carter's take on the ballad "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most." --Britt Robson

From Jazziz

Cassandra Wilson's influence is spreading. And while it might be difficult to imitate her vocal style, musicians of all sorts are learning that jazz artists can afford to be eclectic without sacrificing the strength and unity of their own voices. Regina Carter, the terrific young violinist, opens and closes her new disc with standard-issue stuff: a swinging romp through "Oh, Lady, Be Good!" and a sexy slide across "Skeeter's Blues." But between tracks one and 10, there are a lot of nice surprises, including a delicious guest appearance by Ms. Wilson singing "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone." Just try keeping your finger off the repeat button after that tune.

Carter has tools, make no mistake. Her tone is deeply textured, and her fingers fly. Her pitch is perfect. She also knows how to deliver a melody so that you can hear the song's words in your mind, understand their message, and gain a sense of how they make her feel. In Carter's hands, "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most" is terribly sad, and not just because the tempo is slow. the power is in her sound. Lewis Nash stands out on drums, and Kenny Barron turns in four tasty piano tracks. Acoustic guitarist Romero Lubambo performs an exquisite duet with Carter on "By the Brook."

But the best thing about this CD is Carter's sense of adventure. One gets the idea that she feels not at all confined by the violin, although it is surely one of the stepchildren of the jazz family. She can play the violin like a horn or she can use it to gain the effect of a full string section. At times, she sounds thoroughly modern; at others, like she's happily dipping into the swing era. In fact, Carter dips into so many different eras and styles that she defies simple categorization. There's '70s-style funk, bouncy Latin grooves, and a cool African percussion section. After two or three listens, you don't think of this as violin music. It's hip music. And it's Regina Carter's very own.

--- Jonathan Eig, JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the great musicians of our time, August 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Rhythms of the Heart (Audio CD)

In live performance, Regina Carter is one of the great musicians of our time, and one of the greatest jazz soloists of all time on any instrument. That monumental impact is not really captured fully on this disc, but it is fairly common in jazz that it would not be. This is an excellent disc, which reveals her beauty of tone, swinging approach, and compelling ideas. This is one of the best jazz violin albums of all time, and I look forward to listening to her for years to come. REGINA RULES!!!!

10 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This album is just plain awesome, September 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Rhythms of the Heart (Audio CD)

I would highly recommend this album to anyone who loves jazz. The violin is great as are the accompaning instruments. You will not regret buying this album. The best violin album I've heard.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good sounds, September 17, 2010

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Satisfied customer "Satisfied customer" (Clayton, NC United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Rhythms of the Heart (Audio CD)

Vendor sent CD as promised with a case that was cracked as reported from the vendor but the CD is in great playing shape. I would order from this vendor again.