Carter, Betty: Out There (Verve By Request) LP

Originally released through Peacock Records in 1958 after her stint with the Lionel Hampton’s band, Out There is a snapshot and early gem in Betty Carter’s broad career. Supported by a quality cast including Benny Golson (tenor saxophone), Wynton Kelly (piano) and Kenny Dorham (trumpet) among others, Carter glides through standards such as “Something Wonderful” as well as her first-penned track “I Can’t Help It,” which would go on to become a performance staple. Verve by Request Series features 180-gram vinyl, pressed at Third Man in Detroit.