Benny Carter - 1954 - 3, 4, 5 The Verve Small Group Sessions (1991)

Has there ever been a more consistent performer in jazz history over a longer period of time than Benny Carter? The classic altoist, who had fully formed his sound by the early '30s (he first recorded in 1927), has not altered his style much in the past 65 (and counting) years. The music on this Verve reissue CD features Carter in three settings: in a trio with pianist Teddy Wilson and drummer Jo Jones (those performances were only previously out in Japan), heading a quartet with pianist Don Abney, bassist George Duvivier and drummer Louis Bellson and showcased on three previously unissued tracks with the Oscar Peterson trio plus drummer Bobby White. Carter knew most of these standards extremely well and he glides effortlessly over the chord changes, infusing the music with swing and subtle creativity. (AllMusic)

Track list:
1. Little Girl Blue
2. June In January
3. Jeepers Creepers
4. Rosetta
5. The Birth Of The Blues
6. When Your Lover Has Gone
7.The Moon Is Low
8. This Love Of Mine
9. Moonglow
10. My One & Only Love
11. Our Love Is Here To Stay
12. This Can't Be Love
13. Tenderly
14. Unforgettable
15. Ruby
16. Moon Song
17. Don't You Think
18. Will You Still Be Mine
19. We'll Be Together Again

Personnel:
Tracks 1-8: Benny Carter (alto saxophone); Teddy Wilson (piano); Jo Jones (drums). New York, September 20, 1954.
Tracks 9-16: Benny Carter (alto saxophone); Don Abney (piano); George Duvivier (bass); Louis Bellson (drums). Los Angeles, CA, June 23, 1954
Tracks 17-19: Benny Carter (alto saxophone); Oscar Peterson (piano); Herb Ellis (guitar); Ray Brown (bass); Bobby White (drums). Los Angeles, CA, November 12, 1954

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