Ron Carter Explains His Approach to Bass in the Miles Davis Quintet

Ron Carter explains his philosophy of leading from the bass and how he approached his role in the legendary Miles Davis Quintet of the 1960s. In this conversation, Ron discusses: • How he intentionally creates rhythmic tension (and why he wanted Tony Williams NOT to join him) • The balance between analytical thinking and intuitive playing • Setting up "musical events" that shape where the band goes • His book "Chartography" - bass transcriptions showing how his playing evolved on "Autumn Leaves" with the Miles Davis Quintet • His new gospel jazz album "Sweet Sweet Spirit" (releasing February 6) • Why restraint matters more than showing off • The difference between hearing changes and knowing what to do with them Whether you're a bass player studying Carter's approach, a jazz fan diving deeper into the Miles Davis era, or simply curious about how master musicians think, this interview offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a living legend. 🔗 LINKS: 📖 Ron Carter's "Chartography": https://roncarterjazz.com/products/ch... 🎵 "Sweet Sweet Spirit" (available everywhere February 6) Read the full interview article: https://ThisIsJazz.com 📧 Join the This Is Jazz newsletter for weekly jazz insights, interviews, and resources: https://thisisjazz.com/newsletter #RonCarter #JazzBass #MilesDavis #JazzInterview #Chartography #JazzEducation #BassPlaying