This single-CD reissues the second batch of
Betty Carter recordings, her Peacock and ABC-Paramount dates which followed her Epic/Columbia titles by two years. Formerly available as a two-LP set (
What a Little Moonlight Can Do), the 24 selections find the already-distinctive vocalist carving out her own sound from the bebop tradition; her more innovative work was in the future. Quite a few of the renditions are memorable including "I Can't Help It" (which is somewhat autobiographical), "You're Driving Me Crazy," "What a Little Moonlight Can Do," "Jazz (Ain't Nothin' but Soul)" and "Don't Weep for the Lady." While the second half of the CD has
Carter accompnied by an orchestra arranged by
Richard Wess, the first 12 numbers feature such top players as trumpeters
Ray Copeland and
Kenny Dorham, either
Jerome Richardson or
Benny Golson on tenor and pianist
Wynton Kelly. Highly recommended.