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Artist Biography - Regina Carter
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 Regina Carter got into music at the age of two as she started her piano lessons, and later took up violin at the age of four. After her graduation from Detroit's prestigious Cass Technical High School, she went over to the New England Conservatory of Music but soon left it only to return to Michigan's Oakland University, where she gigged with several local musicians. Regina than teamed up with an all-female quartet â€ËÅ"Straight Ahead' which recorded two albums for Atlantic Records. However, she left the band in 1994 and began working with the likes of the â€ËÅ"String Trio' of New York, Muhal Richard Abrams, and Greg Tate and the Black Rock Coalition.
In 1998, Carter joined Verve Records and since then has recorded four critically acclaimed works of astounding maturity and variety. The album 'Rhythms of the Heart, Motor City Moments' was produced by John Clayton whereas with â€ËÅ"Paganini: After a Dream' she made history by being the first African American jazz musician to travel to Genoa, Italy to perform and record on the legendary Guarneri del Gesu violin which is owned by classical music virtuoso NiccolÃÆ'² Paganini. She has also recorded a duet with pianist Kenny Baron which was entitled â€ËÅ"Freefall'. Her playing has also graced work that includes filmmaker Ken Burns' soundtrack for the PBS documentary, Jazz; Wynton Marsalis' opera â€ËÅ"Blood on the Fields'; Cassandra Wilson's tribute to Miles Davis, â€ËÅ"Traveling Miles'; and with the queen of hip-hop soul Mary J. Blige.
She has followed an enviable career that has been marked by eclectic virtuosity, heart, and stunning fusions of music both celestially classical and earthily modern. Her sixth solo 'I'll Be Seeing You: A Sentimental Journey' was released in 2006 which was a dedication to her mother who died in March 2005. It was a sincere dedication to the righteous strength and capricious spirit of a very special lady. The 12-song CD includes three gems from the pens of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, W.C. Handy's bedrock 'St. Louis Blues' and Ella Fitzgerald's eternally wistful 'A-Tisket, A-Tasket.'. While the album does contain four deeply moving ballads including Duke Ellington's 'Blue Rose' and Regina's original waltz 'How Ruth Felt'. The album ends with an emotional one-two punch. First with a bittersweet rendition of 'There's a Small Hotel' which is sung by Cook, the lyrics of which reflect a longing for just one more quality encounter with someone you love. It's followed by the album's title track, 'I'll Be Seeing You.' which is from the longing of Regina's heart.
Regina Carter Quintet comprises of Regina Carter on Violin, whereas the Piano is manned by Werner 'Vana' Gierig while Chris Lightcap beats the Bass, Mayra Casales does the Percussion and Alvester Garnett is the drummer. Ragian and her dynamic Quintet have a penchant in fusing Jazz and Latin rhythms, this fabulous bunch of talented artists have heated up the cold nights of their shows through their electrifying performances. The tickets are always advisable to be booked in advance.
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For more information , enjoy the official homepage of Regina Carter
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