Creed Taylor Incorporated Records (CTI), founded in the early 1970s, produced smooth and soulful music. In January 2011, Sony Masterworks Jazz reissued classic albums by its artists such as George Benson, Deodato, Milt Jackson, Ron Carter, Paul Desmond and Jim Hall. This is the first time these records will be available on CD.
White Rabbit (1971): George Benson’s album White Rabbit was one of CTI’s top-selling albums. The 10-time Grammy Award winner is probably best known for playing guitar on Al Jarreau’s “Summer Breeze.” In 1967, his song “White Rabbit” was covered by the band Jefferson Airplane.
Prelude (1972): Brazilian Eumir Deodato’s album features “Sprach Zarathrustra,” the theme of 2001: A Space Odyssey. The song was CTI’s biggest hit and brought the album to number three on the pop charts in 1972. On the side, Deodato arranged music for Antonio Carlos Jobim, Frank Sinatra and Wes Montgomery.
Milt Jackson Sunflower (1972): Vibraphonist Milt Jackson got his start playing Big Band music in the 1940s before he developed his unique improvisation style. The Milt Jackson Quartet’s song “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?” was featured in Richard Brooks’ film The Happy Ending. The song was nominated for a Grammy. It also features the musical talents of CTI artist Ron Carter.
All Blues (1973): Bassist Ron Carter was a studio musician at CTI records for many years before recording this album. He is one of the world’s most recorded bassists and won many Grammys and other awards. Carter was voted “Bassist of the Year” in 1973, 1974 and 1975 by DOWNBEAT’s readers. He has played, conducted and produced over 2,000 jazz albums.
Pure Desmond (1974): Paul Desmond is most famous for playing the alto saxophone on the song “Theme From M*A*S*H (Suicide Is Painless).” In 1977 he was voted into the Jazz Hall of Fame by DOWNBEAT’s readers.
Concierto (1975): For over half a century, 73-year-old Jim Hall has played jazz for international audiences. He was voted “Guitarist of the Year” by DOWNBEAT’s readers in 1974 and received the 1975 Grammy Award for “Best Jazz Performance by a Soloist.”
For more information, or to purchase the set, visit ctimasterworks.com.
