The first and probably the most all encompassing of the multi-instrumentalists of jazz, saxophonist/composer Benny Carter has been recognized as a competent pianist and guitarist, an able trombonist, an excellent trumpeter, a clarinet virtuoso, and on saxophone, one of the most influential formulators of style in jazz history. If we add to these accomplishments his hundreds of original compositions, plus the fact that he was one of the pioneers who helped establish the canons of orchestrating for a big band, it becomes clear why he is one of the elder statesmen of the music, one of its most erudite theorists as well as one of its most thoroughly experienced players.