Born in Detroit, Regina Carter grew up listening to Motown, but studied classical violin. Finding the classical repertoire limiting, Carter found artistic freedom in jazz by exploring the melodic and percussive possibilities of the violin.
Persistently diligent in her pursuit of musical excellence, Carter’s creative genius in composition and improvisation soon became a formidable combination on the jazz scene. She proved that not only could a violin swing, it could also be an instrument of consuming power. Overwhelmed by a performance, one newspaper wrote, “Emotion and fire from the stage overtook the crowd, which roared from the opening number through a sizzling salsa-club conclusion.”
Having appeared with giants like trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and R&B diva Aretha Franklin, Carter continues to gain the respect of critics and fans alike for her musical diversity. Making history in 2001 by performing to a standing ovation in Genoa, Italy, Carter was the first jazz violinist and African-American to play on legendary violinist’s Nicolò Paganini’s 18th century violin. In 2003 she recorded Paganini: After a Dream with this historic instrument…
Jazz Violinist Regina Carter
March 2-5
$40 and $35
Jazz at the Bistro
Call 531-1012 or 534-1111