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Reviews:
- 5 stars - Because she needs a crowd to bounce off just as much as she
needs rhythmically and harmonically subtle accompanists (and she recruits only the best),
the title of The Audience with Betty Carter is a multiple pun. She works
the room with consummate skill, sliding from the slightly squeaky faux naif
mannerisms that prompted Lionel Hampton to call her 'Betty Bebop'... to soaring climbs up
off the bottom that wouldn't disgrace Sarah Vaughn... Audience [is] among the
finest vocal jazz albums ever made. - The Penguin Guide
to Jazz, 1994 edition
- This live recording shows Betty Carter at her liveliest and most compelling.
Response among all parties was exceptionally alert: Carter's animated, emotionally charged
performance receives an enthusiastic reception that encouraged her to bait the delighted
audience further... and the sidemen flatten her idiosyncrasies, anticipating and following
her infallibly... It would be hard to imagine a better rhythm section than the one
on this set... The rhythmic strength of this performance would be enough to
recommend it, but Carter's ironic persona is irresistible. - Down
Beat
- Definite two-fer live set with John Hicks trio. A must-buy. - All-Music
Guide to Jazz
- 5 stars - A well-recorded, live, two-CD set, heavy on the
audience-tested material, and celebrating Carter's long climb from obscurity to star
status with a glorious take on her largely improvised "Sounds (Movin' On)". - MusicHound Jazz - The Essential Album Guide
- Carter's vocal style can be an acquired taste, but it you're game this is the album. - The Jazz CD Listener's Guide
- The best choice among terrific albums... - Playboy Guide to Jazz
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