Jazz
Recorded at Sound Makers, New York, New York in April 1964 and Regent Sound, New York, New York on March 4 & May 26, 1965
Betty Carter (vocals); Harold Mabern (piano); Kenny Burrell (guitar); Bob Cranshaw (bass); Roy McCurdy (drums)
Producers include: Alan Douglas.
Reissue producer: Michael Cuscuna.
Betty Carter is the consummate jazz singer. Her phrasing is fearless and unique, drawing as its inspiration jazz instrumentalists in the bebop tradition. She uses her voice like a horn, spontaneously bending and stretching her notes. The key to Carter's unique artistry is rhythm and improvisation; she directs her trio through continuous dramatic shifts in tempo. Though much of her material consists of familiar jazz standards, she breaks each tune down to its most abstract form and proceeds from there.
INSIDE BETTY CARTER finds Carter fully matured stylistically, and in full command of her singular artistic powers. The cuts feature Carter and her trio and contain such memorable tracks as "My Favorite Things," taken at a breakneck tempo, and an absolutely exquisite version of "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most," as well as an extremely compelling original tune with a Latin feel, "Open the Door." The CD also includes some previously unreleased tracks from a fine 1965 session with Carter and a quartet. |
