Collection: BENNY CARTER: THE JAZZ HERITAGE SOCIETY RECORDINGS
As an alto saxophonist, Carter was revered for his unparalleled elegance, fluid technique, and smooth, luscious tone. His sophisticated harmonic sense and lyrical improvisation set a standard, influencing generations of players, including contemporaries like Johnny Hodges and later giants. He was also a highly accomplished trumpeter, a rare doubling feat at such a high level.
Beyond his instrumental prowess, Carter was a groundbreaking arranger and composer. He possessed an innate gift for harmony and orchestration, crafting sophisticated, swinging arrangements for his own acclaimed big bands and for legends like Duke Ellington, Coleman Hawkins, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald. His innovative voicings for saxophone sections became foundational to the big band sound. Carter penned enduring jazz standards, including "When Lights Are Low" and "Blues in My Heart."
His talents extended to Hollywood, where he broke barriers as one of the first African Americans to gain prominence scoring for film and television. Carter's remarkably long career saw him remain active well into his 90s, receiving numerous awards, including multiple Grammys, the Kennedy Center Honors, and the National Medal of Arts. Universally respected, Benny Carter's legacy is one of consummate artistry, unwavering elegance, and profound, multifaceted contributions to American music.
