This post is by Dan
Ralph Peterson, Jr. (d); Don Byron (cl, bcl); Bryan Carrott (vib); Melissa Slocum (b); David Murray (ts, bcl); Frank Lacy (tb, flhn)
Recorded December 22 and 23, 1989
The format for Ralph Peterson's fo'tet is one of my favorites. The tonal blend of Bryan Carrot's vibes with Don Byron's clarinets provides an uncluttered, cool presence reminiscent of Eric Dolphy's classic Out to Lunch album (Blue Note, 1964). The addition of David Murray and Frank Lacy on three of the nine tracks draws the comparison with Dolphy's quintet even closer. Like Art Blakey before him, Peterson leads from behind the group with an insistent pulse, even on the quirkiest compositions.
Composing credits are shared within the group, with the exception of the standard "I Can Dream, Can't I?" and Billy Strayhorn's "Johnny Come Lately."
The Fo'tet were to remain an intact band for several years, releasing eight albums between 1989 and 2016 with varying personnel. Bryan Carrott was the mainstay on vibes until 2016 when he was replaced by Joseph Doubleday. Carrott does not seem to have led any recorded albums, but he appears frequently with leaders like Butch Morris, Roy Campbell, Muhal Richard Abrams, and David "Fathead" Newman. I always admire his contribution to the various ensembles where he plays a supporting role. He is one of many valuable players whose body of work is extensive, yet not distinguished by leadership. Jazz depends a lot on people like Carrott.
The other key player in the Fo'tet is bassist Melissa Slocum. She also has extensive recording and performing credits and keeps the two-part rhythm section cooking. In addition to her jazz gigs, she is a regular in several symphony orchestras and Broadway productions. She has a Doctor of Musical Arts degree and teaches. I love that Ralph Peterson drew upon her talents to launch one of his best groups near the end of the 1980s.
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