Benny Carter - Further Definitions (APE+CUE)

Benny Carter - Further Definitions (APE+CUE)



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This essential single-CD combines altoist/arranger Benny Carter's classic Further Definitions with the related Additions to Further Definitions. The former set was a revisit, instrumentation-wise, to the famous 1937 session that Carter and tenor saxophonist Coleman Hawkins made in France with two top European saxophonists (Andre Ekyan and Alix Combelle) and guitarist Django Reinhardt. The all-star group (which also includes Hawkins, altoist Phil Woods, Charlie Rouse on second tenor, pianist Dick Katz, guitarist John Collins, bassist Jimmy Garrison, and drummer Jo Jones) performs a particularly inspired repertoire. Carter's charts, which allow Hawkins to stretch out on "Body and Soul," give everyone a chance to shine. "Honeysuckle Rose" and "Crazy Rhythm" hold their own with the 1937 versions, and "Blue Star" and "Doozy" prove to be two of Carter's finest originals. The second date does not quite reach the same heights, but is enjoyable in its own right. This time, Carter contributed six of the eight selections (including a remake of "Doozy"), and the band was gathered from jazzmen then working in the L.A. studios, including Carter and Bud Shank on altos, and tenors Teddy Edwards and either Buddy Collette or Bill Perkins. Although Benny Carter was not actively playing much at the time (this was his only small-group recording during 1963-1975), he is heard in typically prime form. Very highly recommended.



Personnel includes: Benny Carter, Phil Woods, Bud Shank (alto saxophone); Coleman Hawkins, Charlie Rouse, Buddy Collette, Bill Perkins, Teddy Edwards (tenor saxophone); Bill Hood (baritone saxophone); Dick Katz, Don Abney (piano); John Collins, Bernard Kessel, Mundell Lowe (guitar); Jimmy Garrison, Ray Brown (bass); Jo Jones, Alvin Stoller (drums).



Track Listing:

01 Honeysuckle Rose

02 The Midnight Sun Will Never Set

03 Crazy Rhythm

04 Blue Star

05 Cotton Tail

06 Body and Soul

07 Cherry

08 Doozy

09 Fantastic, That's You

10 Come on Back

11 We Were in Love

12 If Dreams Come True

13 Prohibido

14 Doozy

15 Rock Bottom

16 Titmouse