BENNY CARTER: Legends

For once, the term "legend" is not being misused. The great altoist Benny Carter is in typically remarkable form at age 85 with a quartet, on five duets with pianist Hank Jones, and on three selections with the truly remarkable trumpeter Doc Cheatham (87 years old at the time). Whether on the spirited jams of "Honeysuckle Rose" and "There Is No Greater Love" or original ballads, there is not a weak track on this classic disc. This set would be recommended even if Carter were 55 rather than 85; the music is timeless and often glorious. --Scott Yanow, All Music Guide