Betty Carter - The Early Modern Sound 1956-61 Betty Carter
Vinyl LP
Betty Carter stands as one of the most radical, fiercely independent, and singular vocalists in modern jazz history. Moving far beyond standard lyric delivery, she transformed her voice into a flexible horn-like instrument capable of breathtaking bebop phrasing, razor-sharp pitch control, and complex harmonic reinterpretation.
The Early Modern Sound 1956–61 captures a pivotal transformational arc in Carter's early career, documenting her departure from conventional big-band singing as she forged an uncompromising vocal language on her own terms.
Bringing together landmark sessions recorded for Epic, Peacock, Forum, and ABC-Paramount, this essential collection traces her journey from a brilliant young innovator into an avant-garde master.
Highlighting both her small-group bop explorations and her legendary, hit-making 1961 duets with Ray Charles - complete with historic master-tape quirks - this compilation offers a comprehensive, highly accessible gateway into the formative years of a true jazz titan.
Track List
Side A
A1 - LET’S FALL IN LOVE
A2 - SOCIAL CALL
A3 - I COULD WRITE A BOOK
A4 - FRENESI
A5 - SOMETHING WONDERFUL
A6 - I CAN’T HELP IT
A7 - BY THE BEND OF THE RIVER
A8 - FOUL PLAY
Side B
B1 - WHAT A LITTLE MOONLIGHT CAN DO
B2 - STORMY WEATHER
B3 - THERE'S NO YOU
B4 - EV’RY TIME WE SAY GOODBYE
B5 - BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE
B6 - TAKES TWO TO TANGO
B7 - SIDE BY SIDE