Released 40 years ago
Billy Eckstine Sings with Benny Carter
Billy Eckstine · 1986
51 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A lush blend of jazz standards delivered with Eckstine's rich baritone and Carter's elegant arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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My Funny Valentine — Eckstine’s rendition captures heartbreak with an emotional depth that highlights his vocal prowess and ability to convey complex feelings.
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Summertime — The arrangement showcases Carter's orchestration skills while allowing Eckstine's smooth baritone to shine through, creating a timeless interpretation.
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Over the Rainbow — This track stands out for its poignant delivery and evocative phrasing, transforming a well-known song into a deeply personal statement on hope.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong vocal performances and cohesive arrangements, celebrating jazz standards effectively.
What we noticed
- Eckstine's vocals are prominently featured throughout, with lush orchestral arrangements that complement his baritone.
- The album maintains a smooth tempo, with transitions between tracks that flow seamlessly into one another.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- smooth orchestration for relaxation
- nostalgic warmth for rainy days
- intimate moments with loved ones
- headphone detail discovery
- sophisticated background for dinner
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of upbeat tempos
- prefer loud party atmospheres
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 1986, Billy Eckstine was revisiting his roots as a jazz vocalist after a long career that included R&B and pop influences. This album came during a resurgence of interest in traditional jazz forms, showcasing his lasting appeal and artistry in collaboration with renowned arranger Benny Carter.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nat King Cole· Johnny Hartman· Joe Williams
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To 5:26
- 2 My Funny Valentine 3:36
- 3 Here’s That Rainy Day 3:54
- 4 Summertime 3:56
- 5 A Kiss From You 3:57
- 6 Memories of You 3:49
- 7 I’ve Got the World on a String 4:44
- 8 Now That I Need You 3:56
- 9 Over the Rainbow 4:44
- 10 September Song 4:00
- 11 Autumn Leaves 3:47
- 12 Didn’t We 5:24
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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