The Latin word maestro translates to the word master and according to The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, one definition of this esteemed label, as it pertains to the following content, is ‘a great figure of science or art whose work serves as a model or ideal’, while another interpretation reads ‘having or showing very great skill or proficiency’. For jazz enthusiasts and critics alike, all can agree that Ron Carter embodies these characterizations to the Nth degree.

Come to New England at the most gorgeous time of year for the most celebrated jazz bassist in history! The Ron Carter Quartet headlines the 11th Annual Northampton Jazz Festival at the Academy of Music, Saturday, Oct. 1, 7:30 PM with Renee Rosnes on piano, Jimmy Greene on saxophone, and Payton Crossley on drums.

Today, Ron Carter — known as “Maestro” to some, a certified “jazz deity” (NYT) to others, and jazz history’s most prolific bassist to all — turns 85 years old. The celebrations are just getting started, with features on NPR’s All Things Considered and a performance for NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concerts. 

GRAMMY-winning jazz musician Ron Carter — the most recorded jazz bassist of all-time with over 2,200 individual album credits. 

Ron Carter is Jazz’s most prolific and widely known bassist in history – with over 2,100 recordings and counting, he’s even earned the Guinness World Record for Most Recorded Jazz Bassist in History to show for it. From the crystalline jazz of Miles Davis and Alice Coltrane, to the rich soul of Aretha Franklin and Roberta Flack, the artistic rap of Tribe Called Quest and more, Ron Carter has influenced eras of musical greats across countless genres.

On May 10, 2022, the life and music of Ron Carter — the iconic GRAMMY-winning double bassist who is among jazz music’s most prolific and celebrated band leaders and sidemen — will be fêted at a one-night-only 85th birthday celebration filled with music and memories at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage.