Recipient Information
Location
New York, New York
Project Title
Rustin in Renaissance
Year of Award
2023
Grant or Fellowship
Jazz Road Creative Residencies Grant
Grant Amount
$40,000
The "Rustin in Renaissance" residency is a multi-day orchestral workshop of a newly composed jazz oratorio by musician Bryan Carter. Produced and hosted by "Bandstand Presents," the intensive will bring together over 40 musicians for the first reading and rehearsals of the piece in Austin, Texas from January 31 - February 3, 2024. The residency will culminate in an open dress rehearsal for members of the community ahead of the piece's premiere at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.
About the Artist
Bryan Carter is a highly talented and accomplished musician who has already made a significant impact in the jazz world despite his young age. He completed his training at The Juilliard School in New York City and has had the opportunity to play and record with renowned artists such as Clark Terry, McCoy Tyner, Wynton Marsalis, and Kurt Elling. At Juilliard, Carter studied Jazz Studies and received scholarships for his outstanding abilities. He has a keen interest in composition, orchestration, and cross-collaborative performance.
Currently, Carter is touring worldwide with his band, "The Swangers," which consists of a diverse semi-acoustic lineup. He is also associated with "The Swangers Orchestra," an expanded concert-driven version of the band. Additionally, he served as the house drummer for the TV show "Maya & Marty" and the children's show "Sesame Street." Carter has been involved in orchestrating musicals, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning "A Strange Loop" and Marc Shaiman's "Some Like It Hot."
Outside of performing, Carter is actively engaged in music education, conducting clinics, masterclasses, and workshops at schools and universities worldwide. He is a founding teaching artist for the Jazz at Lincoln Center's "Jazz for Young People" program, emphasizing the importance of creating safe spaces for young musicians from diverse backgrounds. Carter organized the event "Jazz at Pride: A Celebration of the LGBTQIA+ Community within the Jazz Community," which brought together numerous musicians on the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots.
Beyond his live performances, Carter reaches wider audiences through his written publications, YouTube channel, and television presentations, all aimed at promoting jazz. He is set to release a new album through Bandstand Presents and La Reserve Records. Notably, Carter endorses several esteemed music brands, including Ludwig Drums, Vic Firth Drumsticks, Remo Drumheads, Zildjian Cymbals, and 64 Audio Monitors.