Betty Carter’s “The Music Never Stops” | VINYL Release: May 17, 2019

“Betty Carter was jazz’s quintessential modernist: She liked to tease

and stretch a classic melody until it was almost misshapen, testing her

elastic instinct against the structure of a piece.” — The New York Times

“That weekend in 1992, at age 62, she was at the top of her game

and had New York at her feet for all the right reasons – her own

woman, in charge. You can hear how good that made

Betty Carter feel.” — NPR “Fresh Air”

“It arguably represents the pinnacle of her musical ambition,

as she enlisted a full jazz orchestra, a string section and three distinct

piano trios, darting back and forth between the different ensembles,

transitioning seamlessly and effortlessly between burning bebop

and deeply felt ballads, wearing out the musicians with her

stamina over the course of a two hour set.” — Jazziz

“Pure gold. Exhilarating. Historical perspective

set in proper context.” — Columbia Daily Tribune

“The Music Never Stops fills out a crucial late-career chapter,

documenting Carter at her most ambitious.” — JazzTimes

“…in this one performance Carter summarizes what makes

jazz singers unique among musicians—the ability to bring words

to life in the crucible of the jazz band.” — New York City Jazz Record

“‘The Music Never Stops’ is certainly a remarkable display

of virtuosity, versatility and brilliance. It is an artistic expression of

Betty Carter’s musical voyages, and a valuable addition to the

history and legacy of jazz.” — Black Grooves

After recently releasing CD and digital editions of The Music Never Stops, a historical 1992 performance recorded by Better Carter during one of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s earliest concert seasons, Blue Engine Records is proud to announce the special-edition, 180-gram, double-LP vinyl release of the album. The album will be available on vinyl on May 17, a day after what would have been the late Carter’s 90th birthday.

The Music Never Stops features trailblazing vocalist Carter performing in New York’s Aaron Davis Hall in 1992, during the early days of Jazz at Lincoln Center. The Music Never Stops, released 27 years to the date after the historic performance, marks Carter’s first posthumous album as well as the artist’s first release composed entirely of previously unheard material in 22 years (the last being “I’m Yours, You’re Mine” in 1997).

Harnessing a full jazz orchestra, a string section, and three distinct piano trios, Carter delivered a stunning tour-de-force performance that until now only lived in the memories of the enthralled and highly responsive audience members who were fortunate enough to have been there. The orchestra Carter enlisted included such stalwarts as Robin Eubanks, Art Baron, Jerry Dodgion, Alex Foster, and Lew Soloff. Pianists John Hicks, Geri Allen, and Cyrus Chestnut; bassists Lisle Atkinson and Ariel Roland; and drummers Kenny Washington, Greg Hutchinson, and Clarence Penn filled out the three swinging rhythm sections. Many of the participants were Carter’s former students, and all of the rhythm section players were members of her various trios.

The vinyl release is available for pre-order now at jazz.org/carter and all other major music retailers.