One of the many
Benny Carter
recordings cut after he returned to jazz on a full-time basis in the mid-'70s, this double-LP set is the jewel among the seemingly countless number of gems. Eight of
Carter
's compositions are performed by the all-star
American Jazz Orchestra
(
"Doozy"
gets two versions) along with his old theme song "Sleep" and his recently written six-part "Central City Sketches." Virtually every player in this big band was a potential star soloist; among the more notable musicians are trombonist
Jimmy Knepper
, tenors
Lew Tabackin
and
Loren Schoenberg
and either
John Lewis
or
Dick Katz
on piano. But, as is often the case,
frequently steals solo honors and his brief trumpet spot on "Central City Blues" is memorable. ~ Scott Yanow