James Carter took up the saxophone at age 11. Over the years, he would come to shine on alto, soprano, tenor and baritone, while even finding time to master the clarinet. A gifted young player, his reputation preceded him: by the age of 17 he was touring with Wynton Marsalis and two years later was a member of Lester Bowie's orchestra. Carter's recording career as a leader started with the 1993 release JC on the Set. Never one to stick to a particular genre, he has paid tribute to Django Reinhardt (Chasin' the Gypsy, 2000), recorded material by rock group Pavement (Gold Sounds, 2005), and ventured into classical musical territory (Carribean Rhapsody, 2011). Fronting his Organ Trio, Carter put out At the Crossroads in 2011.