Mary Lou

Benny Carter's 'Mary Lou' is a sublime collection of jazz and swing classics, released on 1 January 2022 via Crazy Warthog Media. This 45-minute album is a masterclass in cool jazz, showcasing Carter's incredible talent and versatility. With a tracklist that features timeless gems such as 'A Monday Date', 'My Blue Heaven', and the titular 'Mary Lou', this record is a must-listen for fans of big band and swing music.

The album's 16 tracks, including alternate takes of 'All Alone', 'Laugh Clown Laugh', and 'Who's Sorry Now', demonstrate Carter's ability to craft nuanced and expressive performances. From the lilting 'In a Little Spanish Town' to the melancholic 'Someone to Watch Over Me', each song is a testament to Carter's skill as a musician and his deep understanding of the jazz tradition.

With its unique blend of big band grandeur and cool jazz intimacy, 'Mary Lou' is an album that will appeal to both longtime fans of Benny Carter and newcomers to his music. So sit back, relax, and let the smooth sounds of 'Mary Lou' transport you to a bygone era of jazz and swing.

Benny Carter, born in New York in 1907, was a titan of jazz, renowned for his versatility and an extraordinary career that spanned over eight decades. A multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire, Carter mastered the alto saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, and even composed and arranged music that shaped the swing era. He began his professional journey in the 1920s, crafting charts for Fletcher Henderson's big band, and continued to innovate until the 1990s. Carter's influence is immeasurable; he was not just a pioneer on the alto saxophone alongside Johnny Hodges but also a respected bandleader and composer. His work earned him numerous Grammy nominations, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential figures in jazz history. Carter's music is a testament to his enduring genius, offering a rich tapestry of big band, swing, and cool jazz that continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.