Bassist, cellist and composer Ron Carter will be the Detroit Jazz Festival's 2016 artist-in-residence.
The Detroit-born artist, who recently earned the world record as the most recorded jazz bassist in history, has enjoyed an increasing presence at the last two editions of the festival, which culminated with last year's duo-set with guitarist Pat Metheny, who was its 2015 artist-in-residence.
Chris Collins, artistic director of the Detroit Jazz Festival, said "I’m beside myself, not only because of Ron’s legendary status as a musician but because being from Detroit amplifies the message of this festival being connected to Detroit's legacy as a great jazz city.”
Carter said he is especially excited about his residency, because it not only reconnects him with his roots, but also promises to establish a stronger bond with the city's rich legacy that he missed out on the first time, around 60 years ago. "I didn't get a chance to be a part of the Detroit scene in its heyday," Carter said. "It's almost embarrassing. I'm like a pink, rather than a blushing red, Detroiter."
The bassist will also be involved in community engagement activities and performances between now and the festival. Details on his performances will be unveiled on April 19 at the annual luncheon in Detroit announcing the 37th Detroit Jazz Festival lineup. The largest free-of-charge jazz festival in the world will be held in downtown Detroit from September 2-5.
For more information, go to
http://www.detroitjazzfest.com/
