Ron Carter's quartet offered a lifetime experience for the audience, never to be forgotten. Each of the musicians was an essential part of the group's sound - at once distinct and complementary. The pianist opened the roof of Royce Hall and let the our emotions take flight. The percussionist brought the universe into the hall with exquisitly timed rhythms and sounds. The drummer held back, keeping us securely connected to the earth. And through it all, Ron Carter brought the dignity of a father teaching us our interconnected moral place in the world. In combination, for this atheist, it was a religious experience.
Robert Glasper's trio, on the other hand, never left the room. Glasper played with a cramped style that was exceedingly repetitious and limited in range. Though it was apparent that he has the technique to do more with his music, he appeared to be satisfied to tell himself that an insistent less was more without giving more of himself. Based upon this performance, I don't need to hear him again. His bassist was worth hearing but his amplified sound was muddy and smothered the nuance in his playing. I would like to hear more of him with better production. Glasper's drummer was the highlight of the trio - truly exciting with the fastest wrists I have ever seen.
