All of the music on this 1995 CD had been previously released. Although it states that the concluding renditions of "Lover Man" and "South Side Samba" had never been out before and are "bonus tracks," they are actually from an obscure Jazz Heritage release, More Cookin'. The ageless altoist is heard on 12 selections taken from ten different recordings.
Carter is showcased on three big-band selections and with a variety of smaller groups that also include flugelhornist
Clark Terry, trumpeter
Dizzy Gillespie ("Another Time, Another Place"), altoists
Phil Woods and
Herb Geller, tenors
Jimmy Heath and
Frank Wess, trumpeter
Harry "Sweets" Edison, and pianists
Kenny Barron,
Roland Hanna, Richard Wynads,
Hank Jones,
Cedar Walton,
Chris Neville, and
Dick Katz, in addition to several top rhythm sections. Whether playing his own compositions or swing standards,
Carter is heard in prime form throughout. However, true
Benny Carter collectors will want to acquire the original complete CDs instead, since the brilliant altoist always created consistently rewarding music. ~ Scott Yanow