Listen to an excerpt of “Accent on Swing,” a jazz composition written by Benny Carter and first recorded in 1936. Carter was an influential composer, arranger, and bandleader, as well as an accomplished performer who played alto saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, and piano. He grew up in the San Juan Hill neighborhood of New York City and was one of several legendary jazz musicians who lived and performed there in the first half of the 20th century, including James P. Johnson, Fats Waller, Bubber Miley, Willie "the Lion" Smith, Charles “Luckey” Roberts, and Thelonious Monk—many of whom played together.

In this video clip, experience a fresh take on the classic piece, as arranged by Juilliard musician Andre Perlman and performed by his band, as part of Jazz Afro-Caribbean Music, and the Sounds of San Juan Hill, a program celebrating the cross-cultural musical innovation of that historic neighborhood.

Musicians
Andre Perlman, Trombone
Emma Lacy, Saxophone
Nathaniel Williford, Trumpet
Isaiah Bravo, Drums
Ruby Farmer, Bass
William Hill, Piano

Part of Legacies of San Juan Hill, an ongoing project that explores and uplifts the history, communities, and cultural legacy of the Manhattan neighborhoods that existed in and around the area where Lincoln Center resides today. To learn more, visit: https://LincolnCenter.org/SanJuanHill

This performance was filmed at Lincoln Center on April 2, 2025.