Rhythms of the Heart
Violinist Regina Carter's able to cover ample stylistic terrain without any sense of a tourist's itinerary. Her signature excursions onRhythms of the Heartreveal a jaunty joie de vivre reminiscent ofStephane Grappelli, best showcased on "Lady Be Good" andTadd Dameron's "Our Delight." But there are also credible forays into salsa with "Mojito," Afro-pop with "Mandingo Street" (featuring Cameroonian multi-instrumentalist and composer Richard Bona), and soulful reggae on a cover of the Temptations' "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," where vocalist Cassandra Wilson provides her trademark hushed refinement. A longtime sidewoman for trombonist Steve Turre and others, Carter proves adept at fostering ideal forums for her cohorts, particularly pianist Kenny Barron, whose tune "Cook's Bay" is a pastoral gem, and whose exchanges with Carter on "N.Y. Attitude" ensure that's there's a graceful depth to the song's brisk efficiency. Finally, don't overlook the pensive beauty of Carter's take on the ballad "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most."--Britt Robson