In the Mood for Swing

Benny Carter had a remarkable career both in its quality and quantity. He emerged in 1927 as one of jazz's top alto-saxophonists, arrangers and composers and he was still ranked near the top 70 years later. Born in 1907, Carter started on the C-melody sax before switching to alto. He made his recording debut in 1927 with Charlie Johnson's orchestra, became a key member of the Fletcher Henderson Big Band the following year and began doubling on trumpet. After a period leading the McKinney's Cotton Pickers, Carter headed his own big band. He spent the 1935-38 period living and working in Europe. By then, his songs "Blues in My Heart" and "When Lights Are Low" were becoming jazz standards.

After his return to the U.S., Carter continued leading big bands, became a busy writer for the studios, led a series of excellent combo dates and stayed busy. That was true of his entire career that lasted until he retired in 1997 at the age of 90. His playing on alto remained both modern and personal, and he never lost his enthusiasm or creativity.

From the 1950s on, Benny Carter was frequently heard with younger musicians, inspiring later generations with his professionalism, consistency and his ability to always sound like himself without being predictable.

In the Mood for Swing is from 35 years later and finds the 80-year old Benny Carter playing in a similar style and with his abilities quite intact. This is a musician who was never past his prime! With pianist Roland Hanna, bassist George Mraz, drummer Louie Bellson and (on seven of the eleven numbers) guitarist Howard Alden, Carter explores 11 of his originals of which only Summer Serenade became particularly well known. The compositions inspire the musicians, and Carter is in flawless and swinging form. Trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie is a strong asset on the three selections on which he sits in, adding wit and boppish ideas to the music.

—Scott Yanow

All 11 of the songs are somewhat obscure and therefore fresh Carter compositions ("Summer Serenade" is perhaps the best-known) and Dizzy Gillespie sits in with the group for three songs. But even with Gillespie, guitarist Howard Alden and pianist Roland Hanna, the solo star throughout is the ageless Benny Carter, who at the age of 80 still seemed to be improving. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide