'Live and Well in Japan! cover

'Live and Well in Japan!

Benny Carter · 1978

44 min · 4 tracks · jazz

A vibrant showcase of swinging jazz, blending intricate improvisations with lively ensemble interactions that capture the essence of live performance.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Squaty Roo — This track features an extended improvisational section that highlights the band’s cohesion and Carter’s inventive saxophone playing, embodying the spirit of live performance.
  • →
    Tribute to Louis Armstrong — In this homage, Carter pays respect to one of jazz’s foundational figures, intertwining soulful melodies with intricate solos that evoke Armstrong's spirit.
  • →
    It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) — This classic track captures the quintessential swing feel, with Carter’s arrangement bringing a fresh vitality while honoring the original’s roots in jazz tradition.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases vibrant jazz improvisation and ensemble interplay, reflecting Carter's leadership and skill.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended improvisations, with each track allowing soloists to explore their ideas over a swinging rhythm section.
  • The ensemble frequently engages in call-and-response patterns, creating a dynamic interaction between the musicians.
  • Each track maintains a lively tempo, contributing to an overall energetic atmosphere that captures the essence of a live performance.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Squaty Roo 13:39
  • 2 Tribute to Louis Armstrong 7:09
  • 3 Them There Eyes 11:56
  • 4 It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) 11:36

What to play next

I Giganti Del Jazz Vol. 26
Listen next

I Giganti Del Jazz Vol. 26

1981
Benny Carter 4: Montreux '77
Go back to

Benny Carter 4: Montreux '77

1977
Full Benny Carter discography Where to start with Benny Carter Artists like Benny Carter
jazz swing

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata