Altoist/arranger
Benny Carter's classic Further Definitions is a revisiting, instrumentation-wise, to the famous 1937 session that
Carter and tenor saxophonist
Coleman Hawkins made in France with two top European saxophonists (
Andre Ekyan and
Alix Combelle) and guitarist
Django Reinhardt. The all-star group (which also includes
Hawkins, altoist
Phil Woods,
Charlie Rouse on second tenor, pianist
Dick Katz, guitarist
John Collins, bassist
Jimmy Garrison, and drummer
Jo Jones) performs a particularly inspired repertoire.
Carter's charts, which allow
Hawkins to stretch out on "Body and Soul," give everyone a chance to shine. "Honeysuckle Rose" and "Crazy Rhythm" hold their own with the 1937 versions, and "Blue Star" and "Doozy" prove to be two of
Carter's finest originals. Although
Benny Carter was not actively playing much at the time (this was his only small-group recording during 1963-1975), he is heard in typically prime form. Very highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow