Parfait

Recorded in 1980 and released in 1982 on the Milestone label, Parfait captures Ron Carter during a prolific period of leadership. The session took place at Rudy Van Gelder's legendary studio in Englewood Cliffs, which contributes to the album's signature 'woody' and spacious sonic character. Unlike Carter's more experimental fusion forays, Parfait leans into a sophisticated post-bop sensibility, featuring a quartet that highlights his use of the piccolo bass - a smaller instrument tuned higher, allowing him to play lead melodies with greater agility. The tracklist is a balanced mix of Carter originals and jazz standards, most notably a nearly eight-minute rendition of Monk's ''round Midnight.' Critically, the album is noted for its impeccable production and Carter's virtuosic yet disciplined performance, serving as a bridge between the avant-garde explorations of the 60s and the refined acoustic revivalism of the 80s.