Ron Carter's elegant, eloquent and delicate tone, as well as his extraordinary sense of timing, has informed generations of bassists, and has had a tremendous impact on Jazz as a whole. 'My Personal Songbook' is the first recording of the grand master's original compositions, performed by a large ensemble to be released.

The WDR Big Band, with its superb soloists, is a perfect match for Ron Carter, who is full of praise for them: "It honours a radio station to insist on this music and to make such a large band format happen. Being professional, flexible and of great musicianship the musicians also add to this project."

Carter chose ten self-penned pieces for the recording, which represent milestones of his truly exceptional, vital and multifaceted career. Richard DeRosa, principal conductor of the WDR Big Band, arranged the compositions resulting in a lush big band tone with fine and sophisticated solo parts, allowing both to fully bloom.