The Dave Matthews Band is only one in a long line of projects and beginings this master has taken
up. "I was raised on jazz." Carter, the son of a jazz trumpet player, is no stranger to good music.   He grew up listining to Jo Jones, Buddy Rich, and other "bad cats" as he calls them. Beauford has undertaken many different projects.  One of the most note worthy is his work with a band called Secrets. This incredible fusion band was the start of Carter's style as we hear it today.  In fact, this band is what made Matthews approach Carter in the first place. Dave Matthews was working as a bartender at one of Charlottesville's premier jazz venues when he first heard Carter play with Secrets. Matthews, having a project in mind, approached Carter later.   They got some others together (Boyd, Stefan, and Peter), jammed in Carter's mom's basement, and liked the result. That as they say is history. The Dave Matthews Band was formed, and grew.  Carter just released a video, and is continually improving his sound.