(Emarcy)

Saxophonist James Carter leads a spirited session of music on At The Crossroads. The trio, comprised of Carter, who plays alto, tenor and baritone saxes, is enhanced by a rhythm section of Gerard Gibbs on organ and Leonard King, Jr. on drums. The unit is augmented on various tunes by the addition of Brandon Ross and Bruce Edwards on guitars, Vincent Chandler on trombone, and Kenyon Harrold on trumpet, among others. Miche Braden’s deep, earthy vocals on several tracks is a powerful addition to the project. The flavor here is music in the African-American tradition, from blues to spirituals, including compositions from Maybelle Smith, Ralph Bass and Jess Powell, Duke Ellington, and Julius Hemphill, as well as a couple of interesting titles from members of the trio. A thoroughly entertaining effort from start to finish.