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Empire Jazz is an album by bassist Ron Carter featuring jazz interpretations of five of John Williams’ themes from The Empire Strikes Back which was recorded in 1980 and released on the RSO label.

Scott Yanow, writing for Allmusic, notes that “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”.

Track listing:
All compositions by John Williams.

“The Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme)” – 8:33
“The Asteroid Field” – 9:08
“Han Solo and the Princess (Love Theme)” – 8:09
“Lando’s Palace” – 7:04
“Yoda’s Theme” – 5:25

Personnel:
Ron Carter – bass, arranger
Jon Faddis, Joe Shepley – trumpet, flugelhorn
Eddie Bert – trombone
Hubert Laws – flute
Frank Wess – tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone
Bob James – piano
Jay Berliner – electric guitar, acoustic guitar
Billy Cobham – drums
Ralph MacDonald – percussion

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Released: 1980
Recorded: 1980
Studio Aura Recording Studios, New York City
Length: 40:19
Label RSO
RS-1-3085
Producer: Ron Carter