by Chris KelseyJohn Carter was one of the very few free jazz players to concentrate exclusively on clarinet, and one of not very many to place an emphasis on the musics composed elements. Carter studied alto saxophone and clarinet early in his career. He played with fellow Fort Worth native Ornette Coleman in the late 40s. In 1949, he received his bachelors degree from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO. In 1956, he earned a masters degree from the University of Colorado. He taught in Fort Worth Public Schools from 1949-1961 and in the Los Angeles school system from 1961-1982. In 1964, while living in Los Angeles, Carter formed the New Art Jazz Ensemble with trumpeter Bobby Bradford (who would also work with Coleman). The next year, he conducted a program of Colemans music at U.C.L.A. In the late 60s, he played and recorded with pianist Horace Tapscott and saxophonist Arthur Blythe, among others. Carter switched to clarinet full-time in...