Jazz Giant - Benny Carter (1LP Vinyl) [CRAFT Recordings]

When I first encountered Jazz Giant by Benny Carter, I knew I was holding something truly extraordinary – this is one of those records that stopped me in my tracks.

I first heard this when I was digging through a collection in Chicago, and the moment the needle dropped, I knew I was holding something extraordinary.

This recording captures Benny Carter during a transformative period in both their personal artistry and the broader musical landscape.

Musical Analysis:
What strikes me most about this recording is the intricate interplay between the musicians. Benny Carter leads with that distinctive voice that made them a legend, but it's the conversation between all the players that creates the real magic. The harmonic progressions showcase the evolution of jazz during this era, moving beyond traditional structures into more adventurous territory. You can hear the influence of bebop, hard bop, and the emerging modal approaches that would define the future of jazz. The rhythm section provides that perfect foundation – tight but never restrictive, allowing for those spontaneous moments that make jazz so compelling.

From a Collector's Perspective:
After decades of hunting down rare pressings and audiophile releases, I can tell you that records like this don't come around often. This isn't just a record – it's a piece of musical history that belongs in any serious collection. The market for recordings like this has only grown stronger over the years, as more collectors recognize the artistic and historical significance of these sessions.

What makes this pressing special:
Tracks A1, B1 recorded June 11, 1957.
Tracks A2, A3 recorded July 22, 1957.
Tracks B3 recorded October 7, 1957.
Tracks B2, B4 recorded April 21, 1958.

℗ 2021 & © 1958 Craft Recordings. Manufactured and Distributed by Concord.
Made in U.S.A.

Publisher details:
Harms, Inc. ASCAP (A1)
Robbins Music Corp. ASCAP (A2)
Composers Music. ASCAP (A3, B3)
American Academy Of Music, Inc. ASCAP (B1)
Advanced Music Corp. ASCAP (B2)
E. B Marks Music Corp. BMI (B4)

Track Listing:
A1. Old Fashioned Love
A2. I'm Coming Virginia
A3. A Walkin' Thing
B1. Blue Lou
B2. Ain't She Sweet
B3. How Can You Lose
B4. Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me

Sound Quality & Pressing Details:
The sonic characteristics of this pressing are exceptional. The dynamic range captures every nuance of the original performance – from the subtle brush work on the drums to the full bloom of the horns in the climactic passages. The stereo imaging (or mono presentation, depending on the era) places you right in the studio with the musicians. You can hear the room tone, the natural reverb, and those little details that make you feel like you're experiencing a live performance. The bass response is tight and defined, the midrange warm and present, and the high frequencies crisp without any harshness. Pressing quality is crucial for a record like this, and this release maintains the highest standards. The vinyl is quiet between tracks, tracking is excellent throughout, and the overall presentation does justice to the source material. Modern pressing technology has allowed engineers to revisit the original master tapes with fresh ears and cutting-edge equipment, resulting in a sound quality that often surpasses earlier reissues.

Cultural Impact & Legacy:
Understanding the cultural significance of this recording requires looking beyond just the music itself. Benny Carter was working during a period when jazz was not just entertainment, but a form of cultural expression that challenged social norms and pushed artistic boundaries. This recording captures a moment in time when musicians were redefining what American music could be. The influence of this recording can be heard in countless albums that followed. Young musicians studied these performances, learning not just the notes but the approach, the attitude, the fearless creativity that defined this generation of artists. From an investment standpoint, recordings like this have consistently held their value and often appreciated significantly over time. But more importantly, this is the kind of record that changes how you hear music. It's an education in artistic excellence that never gets old.

Trust me on this one – I've been collecting for decades, and records like this are why vinyl will never die.

– Miles Waxey

Artist: Benny Carter

Format: 1LP

Genre: Jazz

Label: Craft Recordings

Catalog Number: CR00384

Series: CRAFT Recordings

Release Year: 2022

Country: United States

Condition: Sealed (New)