Live from Alphabet City: Off Minor Jazz Series

Benny Carter’s 1961 recording, Further Definitions, stands as one of the great intergenerational and interracial documents in Jazz. Featuring four saxophonists: Charlie Rouse (from Thelonious Monk’s band), studio veteran Phil Woods, the Father of the tenor saxophone, Coleman Hawkins, and Carter, it was a revisiting of a concept Carter came up with for an April 1937 recording in Paris that also featured four saxophonists (Hawkins was on this date, as well). The rhythm section on Further Definitions was also incredibly diverse: mainstream pianist Dick Katz, John Collins (of the late Swing Era) on guitar, bassist Jimmy Garrison (from John Coltrane’s group) and the father of modern Jazz drumming, Jo Jones. Carter’s writing for the saxophone section is unparalleled and is still revered and studied today. Benny Carter’s nickname was  “King” and Further Definitions is one of the reasons why!

FEATURED MUSICIANS:

Lynn Speakman – alto saxophone

Chris Coles – alto saxophone

Paul Cosentino – tenor saxophone

Joseph Seman – tenor Saxophone

Alton Merrell – piano

Tony DePaolis – bass

Thomas Wendt – drums

The Off Minor Jazz Series highlights the music of legendary jazz composers and players. The series has been curated by drummer Thomas Wendt, who puts together specialized musicians for each concert. 

The Show Must Go On(line) is made possible thanks to generous support from the Benter Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, the Juliet Lea Hillman Simonds Foundation, the Opportunity Fund, The Pittsburgh Foundation, and an Anonymous Foundation.