Ron Carter - Empire Jazz (1980) LP

This out-of-print LP (whose contents have also been reissued on some other labels) would not seem to have much promise since the five selections are all themes taken from the Star Wars series. However, the all-star group (which includes trumpeter Jon Faddis, Frank Wess on tenor and soprano, flutist Hubert Laws, pianist Bob James, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Billy Cobham) has plenty of solo space (Faddis in particular is in excellent form) and the music is transformed into reasonably creative jazz.

Tracks:


A1 – The Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme) (08:33)
A2 – The Asteroid Field (09:08)

B1 – Han Solo And The Princess (Love Theme) (08:09)
B2 – Lando's Palace (07:04)
B3 – Yoda's Theme (05:25)

Personnel:

Ron Carter – bass
Bob James – acoustic piano
Billy Cobham – drums
Ralph McDonald – assorted percussion
Hubert Laws – flute
Jon Faddis – trumpet and flugelhorn
Joe Shepley – trumpet and flugelhorn
Frank Wess – tenor and soprano sax
Jay Berliner – electric and acoustic guitar
Eddie Bert – trombone