Benny Carter - Aspects (1996)

Tracklist

01. June in January (L. Robin-R.Rainger)
02. February Fiesta (Hal Schaefer)
03. March Wind (Benny Carter)
04. I'll Remember April (Raye-DePaul-Johnston)
05. One Morning in May (H. Carmichael-M.Parrish)
06. June Is Busting Out All Over (R. Rodgers-O. Hammerstein)
07. Sleigh Ride in July (J. Burke-J. Van Heusen)
08. August Moon (Benny Carter)
09. September Song (K. Weill-M. Anderson)
10. Something for October (Benny Carter)
11. Swingin' in November (Benny Carter)
12. Roses in December (Magidson-Oakland-Jessel)
13. February Fiesta (mono take)
14. June Is Busting Out All Over (mono take)
15. August Moon (mono take)
16. Swingin' in November (mono take)

This CD reissues an enjoyable obscurity. Although originally associated with big bands, the set has what was Benny Carter's only big-band recording as a playing leader during 1947-86. While the song titles are a bit gimmicky, saluting the 12 months of the year (including "June in January," "I'll Remember April," "June Is Busting Out All Over," etc.), the music (which includes four alternate takes) is solid, mainstream big-band swing. The less familiar titles include four Carter originals written for the date, plus Hal Schaefer's "February Fiesta." The leader/altoist solos on every selection, and among the other top West Coast studio players featured are trumpeters Shorty Sherock, Pete Candoli and Joe Gordon, trombonists Frank Rosolino and Herbie Harper, vibraphonist Larry Bunker, pianists Arnold Ross and Gerry Wiggins, and guitarist Barney Kessel. Two overlapping big bands were utilized, and the music alternates between being forceful and lyrical.~Scott Yanow