Don's career stretches over four decades. He is the uncompromising Jazz Musician who never ceased to develop his music, without surrendering his artistic integrity. In the 50s Don was founder member of the Dankworth Seven and he moved on to work with Stan Kenton and Woody Herman as well as Ted Heath. In 1955 Don's sextet was chosen to back Billie Holiday at her famous Free Trade Hall concert. During the 60s the Rendell/Carr Quintet won the Melody Maker Award for three consecutive years.

Over many years Don has established a reputation as a leading Jazz educator working at Jazz Summer Schools, teaching at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music, where his original compositions have been published. Still in great demand as a performer, both in Britain and abroad, Don has recorded extensively with his own quartet, Big 8 and the Brian Priestly Septet. He is a mammoth performer and a natural choice for anyone's Dream Team.