"This Is Always" is a classic ballad composed by Harry Warren with lyrics by Mack Gordon, first published in 1946. Betty Carter recorded her version for her 1964 album Inside Betty Carter, where it stands out as a showcase of her early vocal jazz style123.
Betty Carter’s Interpretation
Carter’s rendition of "This Is Always" is marked by her signature phrasing and emotional subtlety. On the album, she is accompanied by a stellar rhythm section: Harold Mabern on piano, Bob Cranshaw on bass, and Roy McCurdy on drums1. The arrangement is spare and sensitive, allowing Carter’s voice to explore the nuances of the melody and lyrics with remarkable intimacy.
Musical and Vocal Style
- Phrasing and Timing: Even in her early recordings, Carter was known for her adventurous sense of timing and her ability to stretch and reshape melodies. She often lingers on phrases, playing with tempo and rhythm in a way that brings new meaning to familiar standards42.
- Emotional Depth: Carter’s interpretation is understated yet deeply affecting, emphasizing the song’s themes of enduring love and devotion. Her subtle vibrato and dynamic control turn the ballad into a personal statement rather than a generic love song.
- Critical Reception: Inside Betty Carter is considered one of her finest early albums, praised for the “sensitivity of her renditions” and the “shattering” emotional quality she brings to standards like "This Is Always"2. Ebony magazine described the album as a “tour de force of the jazz singer’s art”2.
Album Context and Legacy
- Inside Betty Carter (1964) is often cited as a highlight of Carter’s early career and one of her personal favorites2. The album bridges her more traditional early style and the more adventurous, improvisational approach she would develop in later decades.
- "This Is Always" is featured alongside other standards and originals, helping to cement Carter’s reputation as a masterful interpreter of the American songbook3.
Key Facts Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Songwriters | Harry Warren (music), Mack Gordon (lyrics) |
| Album | Inside Betty Carter (1964) |
| Accompaniment | Harold Mabern (piano), Bob Cranshaw (bass), Roy McCurdy (drums) |
| Style | Vocal jazz, ballad |
| Notable Features | Subtle phrasing, emotional depth, sensitive accompaniment |
| Legacy | Early Carter classic, praised for interpretive mastery |
Summary
Betty Carter’s "This Is Always" is a masterclass in vocal jazz interpretation, blending emotional subtlety with inventive phrasing. Her 1964 recording on Inside Betty Carter remains a touchstone for fans of jazz vocals, highlighting her ability to transform a standard into a deeply personal statement123.
