Cookin' at Carlos, Vol. 1

Read About This Recording

Benny Carter had one of the most consistent and lengthiest careers in jazz history. He was one of the world's top alto-saxophonists in 1927 and he still was in 1997 when he was 90. More than just an altoist, Carter was a major arranger, a talented songwriter, an excellent trumpeter and along the way also played clarinet, tenor and piano. He was the epitome of class and reliability.

Carter made his recording debut in 1927 with Charlie Johnson's Paradise Ten and by the following year was contributing arrangements to Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra. He was a member of Henderson's band during 1930-31, led his own big band during 1932-34 and spent 1935-38 working steadily in Europe. "Blues in My Heart" and "When Lights Are Low" are two of his songs from this period that became standards. Back in the U.S. he led another big band during 1939-41 and two years later moved permanently to Los Angeles where he worked in the studios for a half-century. Even with the changes in the music world, Carter's swing style on alto remained timeless and modern. Although he took time off from playing from the mid-60s to the mid-70s due to being so busy in the studios, Carter made a comeback and stayed active until he retired after his 90th birthday in 1998, a move that still seemed premature. He lived to be 95.

Cookin' At Carlos I dates from 1988 when Carter was 81. The focus is on his alto playing (with one number on trumpet) in a quartet also featuring pianist Richard Wyands. Carter is heard very much in his playing prime, with the highlights of Cookin' At Carlos I including "You'd Be So Nice to Come To," his "Key Largo" and "Just Friends."

—Scott Yanow

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Contents

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You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To; All the Things You Are; Key Largo; Just Friends; My Romance; 'S Wonderful; Time for the Blues.

Benny Carter, Alto Sax/Trumpet; Richard Wyands, Piano; Lisle Atkinson, Bass Guitar; Al Harewood, Drums.