Album review by Bill Bennett (~jazztimes.com)
Betty Carter is historically important, one of the singers who took Lady Day's lead and took singing beyond the heights it had reached, who with Carmen created an elegant tradition of song interpretation. She is important for the future, a demanding bandleader who makes herself available to young players who would learn the art of jazz through the Jazz Ahead workshops she runs annually; the lucky among them become members of her band.
But what's really important, of course, is her effect on the listener: on this collection, as usual, she is intoxicating. Her interpretation of song is heavenly, an intertwining of lyrical and musical sense that seeks and usually finds a precarious balance on the edge of sentimentality. The title track, composed by Carter and bassist Curtis Lundy, is a beautifully realized example of voice and instruments supporting a common muse. Throughout, Andre Hayward on trombone and Mark Shim on tenor sax offer sympathetic support; pianist Xavier Davis works hand-in-glove with bassists Lundy and Matt Hughes, and drummer Gregory Hutchinson.
Tracklist:
01. This Time (7:43)
02. I'm Yours, You're Mine (9:34)
03. Lonely House (6:29)
04. Close Your Eyes (7:45)
05. Useless Landscape (7:16)
06. East of the Sun (4:50)
07. September Song (10:19)
Personnel:
Betty Carter - vocals
Curtis Lundy - bass
Gregory Hutchinson - drums
Xavier Davis - piano
Mark Shim - tenor saxophone
Andre Hayward - trombone
Matt Hughes - bass
Additional Info:
Produced by Betty Carter
Recorded by Joe Ferla at The Power Station, NY
Recorded on January 24 and 25, 1996
Assistant Engineer: Rory Romano
Mixed by Joe Ferla at The Hit Factory, NY
Assistant Engineer: Ted Wohlsen
Mastered by Greg Calbi at Masterdisk, NY
Project Managaer: Ora Harris
Management: Ora Harris for Betcar Productions
Release Coordination: Beverly Harris
Photography: Anthony Barboza
Genre: Vocal Jazz
Label: PolyGram/Verve
Year: 1996
Catalog#: 533 182-2
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More Details & Buy Album:
Betty Carter, Singer (1930-1998)
Betty Carter website: ~www.bettycarter.org
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