That Sunday, That Summer by Betty Carter

Some of the most interesting and fun arguments I've ever had about jazz have centered around Betty Carter. I have been fortunate enough to have seen her perform before she passed and I can definitely say that there was NO ONE who ever sang jazz better than her. The band she had always contained the very best musicians in the world and they always swung hard. She was advanced calculus where other singers were merely basic math. If you could get to Betty's music, you likely would be a lifelong jazz lover and, like me, long for the days when bop was king. I adored her and so I offer this example of her unique way of interpreting a well-known American standard. No one did it like Betty. Many of them didn't have the guts to try. I'm so very grateful that Betty did.

Lineup:
Betty Carter - vocals
Stephen Scott - piano
Ira Coleman - bass
Lewis Nash - drums
Don Braden - tenor sax

Category:

Music

Tags:

• betty carter
• lewis nash
• ira coleman
• stephen scott
• don braden
• bebop
• jazz
• swing
• vocal jazz

[TheMadSyrupMaker]

I saw Betty Carter at the Cookery in NYC, it was the experience of lifetime sitting at a table next to the stage, she was wonderful.

[beeshor1]

@TheMadSyrupMaker The words you used to describe your memory of attending Betty Carter's show, "experience of a lifetime" are so appropriate. Seeing Betty perform live was one of the great jazz experiences I've ever had, and I've had quite a few. She deserved all of the praise she received and more besides. Thanks so much for sharing your memories.

[keith3355]

I had the pleasure of seeing Miss Carter several times. She was unique, she didn't sound like Sarah, Ella, Carmen. She could take you to the depths of your soul or send you soaring. I miss her so much. Once again her voice and presentation was unique.

[abluerambler]

YES beeshort !!! Thanks :)))

[pataphysician66]

I was so lucky to see her perform live. She was extraordinary! In a Tempe AZ jazz club, 1981 or thereabouts. I forgot the name of the club. Later it became a slick big college meat market bar full of stupid white frat kids. My friend and I were the only brunettes. And we were (thankfully) ignored.

[newsmanbluesman]

incredible - a composer's dream interpreter, in my view - the liberties taken, those of someone who's in sympathy with either the melodious moves, or the poetic commentary - or both - all from memory once the stage was taken - another day - a sunday if you must know - and another new-to-me BC track in the mind! wow