General Information Artist: Benny Carter Title: Plays Pretty Label: Norgran Records Catalog number: MG N-1015 Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Mono Year: 1955 Country: US Edition: First Pressing Genre: Jazz Description Benny Carter, often called "King" by his peers for his effortless mastery of the alto saxophone, delivers a masterclass in melodic swing on this 1955 release. Supervised by Norman Granz, the album captures two distinct recording sessions. The first features Carter with a tasteful rhythm section led by pianist Don Abney, while the second (recorded in 1954) pairs him with the formidable Oscar Peterson Trio and powerhouse drummer Buddy Rich. A standout feature is the iconic cover art by David Stone Martin, whose signature pen-and-ink style became synonymous with the visual identity of the 1950s jazz scene. Condition Vinyl: Near Mint (NM) Cover: Near Mint (NM) small creases on two corners Notes for collectors This is the original 1955 US mono pressing on the yellow Norgran "Trumpeter" label. Norgran was a short-lived boutique label founded by Norman Granz before he merged his various imprints into Verve Records, making these early "Trumpeter" logos particularly desirable for Granz completists. This edition is characterized by its deep-groove pressing and the "muenster-dummel HI-FI" designation on the jacket. Unlike later reissues, this original pressing retains the specific textural quality of the 1950s Norgran vinyl and the high-fidelity mastering of the era. Matrix/Labels Side A Matrix: MGN-1015A : RE-1 (Hand-etched) Side B Matrix: MGN-1015B (Hand-etched) Pressing Plant Mark: "H" etched in deadwax (RCA Records Pressing Plant, Hollywood) Labels: Yellow label with black print; Trumpeter logo at 9 o'clock. "Long Playing Microgroove" and "Jazz at the Philharmonic, Inc." text.