Harlem Renaissance (album)


Harlem Renaissance is a live album celebrating saxophonist/composer Benny Carter's 85th birthday recorded in 1992 and released by the MusicMasters label.

Reception

"Harlem Renaissance Suite" won the Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition in 1992. AllMusic reviewer Scott Yanow stated "Benny Carter is a true marvel. At the time of this recording, the classic altoist was already age 84, yet showed no signs of slowing down either his playing or his writing schedule. For his specially assembled big band and The Rutgers University Orchestra, Carter wrote entirely new arrangements that demonstrate that his talents have not diminished with age.... In addition, Carter's alto is often the solo star although he does not hog the spotlight; it just naturally drifts back to him".

Track listing

All compositions by Benny Carter except where noted
Disc One:
  1. "Vine Street Rumble" – 11:21
  2. "Sao Paolo" – 5:05
  3. "I Can't Get Started" – 5:42
  4. "Stockholm Sweetnin'" – 5:34
  5. "Evening Star" – 8:31
  6. "How High The Moon" – 11:02
Disc Two:
  1. "Tales of the Rising Sun Suite: August Moon" – 4:26
  2. "Tales of the Rising Sun Suite: Teatime" – 3:51
  3. "Tales of the Rising Sun Suite: Song of Long Ago" – 5:06
  4. "Tales of the Rising Sun Suite: Samurai Song" – 3:07
  5. "Tales of the Rising Sun Suite: Chow Chow" – 9:19
  6. "Harlem Renaissance Suite: Lament for Langston" – 5:05
  7. "Harlem Renaissance Suite: Sugar Hill Slow Drag" – 5:04
  8. "Harlem Renaissance Suite: Happy Feet" – 6:54
  9. "Harlem Renaissance Suite: Sunday Morning" – 4:15
  10. "Harlem Renaissance Suite: Happy Feet-Reprise" – 5:11

    Personnel