Ben Webster – The Soul Of Ben Webster (45rpm 200g 2LP)

Numbered, Limited Edition 200 Gram, 45rpm 2LP Set! Only the 1st 1,000 Copies are Numbered!

In a way, the story of Ben Webster’s saxophone career is the story of jazz music itself through decades of experience. Here we hear a blowing session that matches him with fellow tenorist Harold Ashby in a program of loose originals.

The forerunner of this LP, Ben Webster’s Soulville was extremely successful, even for Verve standards. It was only logical, therefore, to invite Ben to a further studio session in New York in July 1958. But for the recording of The Soul Of Ben Webster, a completely different ensemble had been called together. The trumpeter Art Farmer – best known for Cool Jazz – along with Harold Ashby – a fellow musician from the Ellington crew – and the swinging rhythm group guarantee that “Big Ben” (as he was known) didn’t lose his bearings during the superb harmonic progressions. “Chelsea Bridge,” surely played in a thousand different ways by Duke Ellington’s orchestra, is a real gem even when performed by a small ensemble, as here. All in all, this is a convincing medium-sized ensemble made up of remarkable protagonists whose improvisations are of the very highest caliber from beginning to end. And that opinion is still valid even 50 years later!

“…these are all truly classic Verve titles that you simply don’t want to miss…most importantly, the sound of these reissues is nothing short of astounding. Particularly the early Billie and Ella mono records are incredible treasures of sonic beauty. I’d definitely ask Santa for the whole set, or, if you want to cherry pick, the most classic titles. Whatever you decide, you owe yourself at least a half dozen!” Winner of a 2012 Positive Feedback Online Writers’ Choice Award

-Danny Kaey, Positive Feedback Online, November/December 2011

Features:

• Numbered, Limited Edition
• Only the 1st 1,000 Copies are Numbered!
• Mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound!
• Cut from the Absolute Original Analog Master Tapes!
• 200 Gram, 45rpm 2LP
• Pressed at Quality Record Pressings

ID: Analogue Productions – AP-6124, Verve Records – MG VS-6124, Universal Music Special Markets – B0019630-01