Coleman Hawkins: Honeysuckle Rose

This arrangement of Thomas Fats Waller's classic opus is the unmistakable work of Benny Carter; the opening saxophone ensemble beautifully reflects his sensibility as an alto saxophone soloist. Also striking is his use of the tunes original chord changes creating sonorities now long gone from the performance practice of standard tunes. Hawkinss solo presages his earthshaking 1939 Body and Soul recording - for example, measures nine through thirty-two. Another nice Carter touch is the sax background during Hawkinss second chorus that sustains the opening G minor 7th chord without resolution during measures one through four (and similar places) -- adding a subtle tension of delight. The closing riff (decorated by Reinhardts well-recorded jaunty guitar), like the opening chorus, bears Carters timeless touch of brightness and class.