Further Definitions

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.

Further Definitions is one of the true classics of Benny Carter's career. Teamed with altoist Phil Woods and tenors Coleman Hawkins and Charlie Rouse in 1961, Carter contributed all of the arrangements and the saxophonists romp through such numbers as Honeysuckle Rose, Crazy Rhythm and Cotton Tail. The CD reissue is particularly valuable, for it also includes all of the music from 1966's Addition To Further Definitions, which has Carter joined by altoist Bud Shank and tenors Teddy Edwards and either Buddy Collette or Bill Perkins for some additional rewarding music.

-Scott Yanow

Contents

Honeysuckle Rose; The Midnight Sun Will Never Set; Crazy Rhythm; Blue Star; Cotton Tail; Body and Soul; Cherry; Doozy; Fantastic, That's You*; Come on Back*; We Were in Love*; If Dreams Come True*; Prohibido*; Doozy*; Rock Bottom*; Titmouse*.

(*Bonus tracks.)

Benny Carter, Phil Woods, Bud Shank, Alto Saxes; Coleman Hawkins, Charlie Rouse, Buddy Collette, Bill Perkins, Teddy Edwards, Tenor Saxes; John Collins, Barney Kessel, Mundell Lowe, Guitars; Dick Katz, Don Abney, Pianos; Jimmy Garrison, Ray Brown, Bass Guitars; Jo Jones, Alvin Stoller, Drums; Bill Hood, Baritone Sax.