Benny Carter was a highly respected saxophonist and composer/arranger who earned much praise from his fellow musicians. Yet much of his music seems overlooked in the 21st century, except by champions like his good friend
Phil Woods (who recorded on a number of occasions with his fellow alto saxophonist and jazz master). Fortunately, trombonist
Ira Nepus and guitarist
Steve Moore also prize
Carter's gift for creating timeless melodies, tackling a baker's dozen of his compositions in this thoroughly enjoyable session. Highlights include the slowly savored treatment of "When Lights Are Low" featuring
Nepus' adept solo in the lower register of his horn, the snappy rendition of "Easy Money" and the lush bossa nova setting of "Only Trust Your Heart" with
Nepus' fine muted solo and
Moore's swinging, understated electric guitar solo (though he overdubs an acoustic guitar underneath it). The humorous conclusion is Patrick Moore's vocal treatment of
Carter's "All That Jazz," with hilarious asides by alto saxophonist
Jeff Clayton (who also trades licks with
Nepus and
Moore). Highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden