This compilation is, indeed, a good way to meet the extraordinary
vocal talents of
Betty Carter and the elegant, versatile swing of pianist
Ray Bryant. The CD comprises a 1955 release --
Carter and
Bryant's first under their own names -- and a 1959 trio date from
Bryant. The earlier set alternates between tracks with
Carter and the
Bryant trio and others with just the trio. Later in her career,
Carter would move toward a more
avant-garde approach. Here, while far from unconventional,
Carter uses her unique gifts to make a set of familiar songs her own. Her transformative reinterpretations of six
standards result in versions that some will be tempted to consider definitive.
Bryant and the trio provide tasteful, classy, discreet backup. Moving into the spotlight on the trio tracks,
Bryant and company play with engaging swing and finesse. There is also a very good flutist, possibly
Jerome Richardson, on a couple of the tracks with
Carter.
Little Susie, from 1959, provides a reliable sampling of
Bryant's abilities in settings that cover the
soul-jazz of the title track,
blues, and
boppish standards. The only letdown is a superfluous rendition of
"Greensleeves." (
"If I Can Just Make It Into Heaven," from the original
Columbia release, does not appear here.) Backed by his brother
Tommy Bryant on bass, and
Eddie Locke and
Gus Johnson alternating on drums,
Bryant unfurls his deceptively easygoing virtuosity in performances that ably display his supple technique and joyous command of the keyboard. ~ Jim Todd