Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, 4:00 PM – The Great American Songbook.
Benny Carter was a versatile musician. That’s an understatement. Besides alto sax—the instrument with which he created his unique sound—he also played soprano and tenor, trumpet, trombone, clarinet, and piano. Add to that his achievements and influence as a bandleader, arranger, composer, and a discography spanning more than 65 years. This hour focuses on vocal performances of his compositions. Here and there, he’ll join in with some playing (and singing!).
We begin with Benny himself. Swing It – Benny Carter and his Orchestra (1933) Carter formed a band in New York City in 1932. A year later, his “Swing It” was recorded. Everything in this piece is of stunning quality: the complex arrangement, the tight ensemble playing, the solos, the swing. And who’s the vocalist (“Swing it high, Swing it low, Swing it everywhere you go.”)? Benny Carter!
Blues in my Heart – Helen Merrill (1959) Oh, Helen Merrill’s voice…
When Lights Are Low – Anaïs Reno (2025) We’re making significant leaps in time; this version of Carter’s standard is hot off the press. Vocalist Anaïs Reno is accompanied by guitarist Peter Bernstein, David Wong on bass, and Joe Farnsworth on drums.
Album: Lady of the Lavender Mist. My Kind of Trouble is You – Ella Fitzgerald & Count Basie (1979) Fitzgerald and Basie collaborated regularly. This resulted in several albums, such as 1979’s “A Classy Pair.” The tempo is slow, the energy high. Ella Fitzgerald gives her “Trouble” an unmistakable voice. Halfway through, the orchestra emerges strongly and beautifully arranged. Basie occasionally joins in with his piano, in his characteristically modest style. What do you think of his note choice in the final, concluding seconds? Benny Carter arranged the piece.
Only Trust Your Heart – Roberta Gambarini (2006) Gambarini’s flexible, multi-colored voice captivates you from the start. In this Carter composition, she is accompanied by Gerald Clayton on piano and John Clayton on bass. Father and son. The final chord creates an open ending.
Another Time, Another Place – Benny Carter & Phil Woods (1996) In the closing segment of this program, you’ll hear Carter at the age of 89. Alongside altoist Phil Woods, with whom he made several recordings, he solos in his own composition—which also gives the title to this live album. The above is a selection from this richly filled hour.
See the Programme Guide.
The Great American Songbook – Ineke Heijliger
