A song's melody is simply a reference point and a beginning for
Carter; she takes words and inverts, probes and extends them, embellishes themes, changes moods and alters rhythms. She's a vocal improviser in a manner few have equaled, and if her voice lacks the clarity and timbre of the all-time greats, she's more than compensated with incredible timing, flexibility and power. Throughout this 11-track effort,
Carter's vocals direct and steer the responses of pianist
Cyrus Chestnut, bassist
Ariel J. Roland and drummer
Lewis Nash. It was yet another memorable outing for
Betty Carter, an all-time great. ~ Ron Wynn