Born 1907 NYC, arranger, composer, bandleader, alto saxophonist, and trumpet player, Benny Carter had one of the longest and most celebrated careers in jazz that spanned some 70 years until his death in 2003. A true original, he was a pioneer alto sax soloist and one of the most important and innovative arrangers in all of jazz.
Benny Carter - Episode 1
Benny Carter's works were performed by Fletcher Henderson, Duke Ellington, Paul Whiteman, and many other renowned bandleaders of the pre swing and swing era. Carter gives us the “sax soli” i.e. a method of writing for the saxophone section that highlights the tone, full sound, and dexterity of the instrument.
| Composition | Artist | Year |
| When the Lights are Low | Benny Carter and His Swing Quartet | 1936 |
| P.D.Q. Blues | Fletcher Henderson Orchestra (arr. by Benny Carter) | 1927 |
| Six of Seven Times | Little Chocolate Dandies (Benny Carter Orchestra) | 1929 |
| Keep a Song in Your Soul | Fletcher Henderson Orchestra (arr. by Benny Carter) | 1930 |
| Somebody Loves Me | Fletcher Henderson Orchestra (arr. by Benny Carter) | 1930 |
Benny Carter - Episode 2
Benny Carter enjoyed great popularity as a bandleader, arranger/composer, and soloist in the 1930’s. He spent 3 years in the mid 1930’s in Europe recording and performing with many expatriate American musicians as well as many celebrated European jazz musicians. His popularity as an arranger and soloist were known world-wide by this time. I will play some of his most memorable recordings that feature his arranging skills, as well as his soloing.
| Composition | Artist | Year |
| Krazy Kapers | The Chocolate Dandies with Teddy Wilson | 1933 |
| Lonesome Nights | The Benny Carter Orchestra | 1933 |
| Symphony in Riffs | The Benny Carter Orchestra | 1933 |
| New Swing Street | Benny Carter and the Ramblers | 1937 |