BENNY CARTER - Aspects (1958-1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

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
Tracklist :
1     June in January 3:12
Ralph Rainger / Leo Robin    
2     February Fiesta 1:54
Hal Schaefer    
3     March Wind 3:16
Benny Carter    
4     I'll Remember April 3:21
Gene DePaul / Pat Johnston / Patricia Johnston / Don Raye
5     One Morning in May 2:49
Hoagy Carmichael / Mitchell Parish    
6     June Is Bustin' Out All Over 2:59
Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers
7     Sleigh Ride in July 2:50
Johnny Burke / James Van Heusen    
8     August Moon 3:39
Benny Carter / Ottmar Liebert    
9     September Song 2:39
Maxwell Anderson / Kurt Weill    
10     Something for October 2:52
Benny Carter    
11     Swingin' in November 3:02
Benny Carter    
12     Roses in December 2:36
George Jessel / Herbert Magidson / Ben Oakland
13     February Fiesta 1:55
Hal Schaefer    
14     June Is Bustin' Out All Over 3:00
Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers    
15     August Moon 3:33
Benny Carter / Ottmar Liebert    
16     Swingin' in November 3:05
Benny Carter
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Leader, Arranged By – Benny Carter
Bass – Joe Comfort
Drums – Shelly Manne
Guitar – Barney Kessel (pistas: 3, 6, 7, 10 to 12), Bobby Gibbons (pistas: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9)
Mastered By – Ron McMaster
Piano – Arnold Ross (pistas: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9), Gerry Wiggins (pistas: 3, 6, 7, 10 to 12)
Reeds – Buddy Collette, Chuck Gentry (pistas: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9), Jewell Grant (pistas: 3, 6, 7, 10 to 12), Justin Gordon (pistas: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9), Plas Johnson (pistas: 3, 6, 7, 10 to 12), Bill Green
Trombone – Frank Rosolino (pistas: 3, 6, 7, 10 to 12), George Roberts (pistas: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9), Herbie Harper (pistas: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9), Russ Brown (pistas: 3, 6, 7, 10 to 12), Tommy Pederson
Trumpet – Al Porcino (pistas: 3, 6, 7, 10 to 12), Conrad Gozzo (pistas: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9), Joe Gordon (pistas: 3, 6, 7, 10 to 12), Pete Candoli (pistas: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9), Ray Triscari (pistas: 3, 6, 7, 10 to 12), Shorty Sherock (pistas: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9), Stu Williamson (pistas: 3, 6, 7, 10 to 12), Uan Rasey (pistas: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9)
Vibraphone [Vibes] – Larry Bunker (pistas: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9)