The new and rare collection of tracks on this album is a thoughtfully chosen compilation from Ben Webster’s European period (1964-1970). The offer to play for a month at Ronnie Scott’s Club in London in late ‘64, marks a turn in Ben Webster’s career as he settled in Northern Europe, where he spent the rest of his life.
Even if his body declined during his last years, his playing never did. To the last day, Webster played with passion and intensity and his ballad playing became even more beautiful and tender, simplified almost to the laconic and delivered with weight on every note. He never launched into double-time while playing ballads, as was the custom at the time, but maintained the songs feeling throughout while staying in the slow tempo.
Webster was one of the unique jazz musicians whose presence came through on every recording. He is regarded as one of the three foremost swing-era tenor saxophonists: the two others being Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young. His ballad playing and sound inspired such later fellow saxophonists as Paul Gonsalves, Harold Ashby, Archie Shepp, Eddy “Lockjaw” Davis, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, and Branford Marsalis. His rough playing with growl was emulated by Charlie Ventura and David Murray, and it also inspired R&B and rock saxophonists, who often combined the use of growl with altissimo notes.
Ben Webster, who was described by Barry Ulanov as one of “the warmest and most sensitive of performers,” is among that exclusive hierarchy of jazz artists to whose consistent excellence there can never be an over-abundance of recorded testimony.
This album offers a balanced and thoughtfully chosen selection of tracks, recorded between 1964 and 1970 in Copenhagen, his adopted city.
The unique compilation presents a window to a historically significant period in Webster’s career.
Mastered by 2xHD’s René Laflamme from the original 15 ips tapes, on all-tube equipment.
Side AStardust – H. CarmichaelCry Me A River – A. Hamilton
Side BWillow Weep For Me – A. RonellOld Folks – Robinson, Hill
Side CGoing Home – Traditional arrangement N.J. SteenCottontail – D. Ellington, arrangement N.J. SteenCome Sunday – D. Ellington, arrangement Ray Pitts
Side DOur Blues – B. Schaerff, B. WebsterSonday – J.Styne, B. Krueger