Benny Carter led a big band from 1932 until 1947, but none was better than the 1945-46 edition, which split time between New York and Los Angeles. Featured in his regular band are Bumps Myers, Idrees Sulieman, Max Roach, Al Grey, Sonny White and of course Carter himself on alto, trumpet and clarinet, with most of the arrangements being his. The two sessions with his all-star band have some of those musicians plus Trummy Young, Dickie Wells, Emmett Berry, Joe Newman, Don Byas, Flip Phillips and others. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark49/support

Talented singer Ethel Waters and His Orchestra deliver great recordings in the late 1930s, accompanied by a stellar lineup of musicians. Explore emotional turbulence, loyalty, and unrequited love through powerful renditions of songs like 'Frankie and Johnny'. Dive into the musical journey of Ethel Waters in 1938-1939, highlighting Benny Carter's alto sax solos and unique arrangements. Celebrate simple joys, gratitude, and love while enjoying humorous updates and misunderstandings in a letter of love.

Great sessions for Charles Delauney's Swing label in New York in 1946 featuring Benny Carter and The Chocolate Dandies (Buck Clayton, Al Grey, Ben Webster, Sonny White, John Simmons and Sid Catlett), Jonah Jones and His Cats (Tyree Glenn, Rudy Powell, Ike Quebec, Dave Rivera, Milt Hinton, Kansas Fields) and Gene Sedric (Lincoln Mills, Freddy Jefferson, Danny Settle, Slick Jones), including two bonus Sedric tracks for Keynote --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark49/support

Emerging tenor sax player Ben Webster discussed in the podcast along with renowned musician Benny Carter and Harlem figure Willie Bryant. They delve into Webster's significant contributions to the lively and energetic music of the big bands from 1934-40, his unique playing style, and collaborations with well-known bandleaders. The podcast also explores the impact of shuffle rhythm and Webster's improvisational skills.

Spike Hughes was a white British music critic and bass player who had a successful series of recordings for British Decca in the early 1930's. He came to the US in 1933 to record some of his own compositions and arrangements with an all-star band put together by Benny Carter, who used mostly his own band and soloists from Fletcher Henderson and Luis Russell's orchestras. Red Allen, Shad Collins, Dickie Wells, Wayman Carver, Coleman Hawkins, Chu Berry, Red Rodriguez, Sid Catlett and others. Also, the last date Coleman Hawkins recorded with the Henderson band in March, 1934 - Buster Bailey, Red Allen, etc.! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark49/support