Sunday, January 12, 2014

Ben Webster & 'Sweets' Edison - Ben and 'Sweets' (Digital Remaster)

Recorded: 1962
Released: 1987,2012 (2 LP set)
Source: Lossless
Size: 91,5 MB
Time: 39:59
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Styles: Swing Jazz,Saxophone,Trumpet
Art: Full

01. Better Go [9:01]
02. How Long Has This Been Going On [5:33]
03. Kitty [8:02]
04. My Romance [4:17]
05. Did You Call her Today [8:57]
06. Embraceable You [4:07]

The two jazz giants Ben Webster and Harry "Sweets" Edison had long wanted to record an album together, and in 1962, they did. Although associated with two different orchestras (Edison was with Basie and Webster was with Ellington), these two swing kings found that they had a lot in common.
This album features both horn men on three medium tempo blues, "Better Go," "Kitty," and "Did You Call Her Today." Other than this, Webster gets two tenor features, contributing absolutely luscious solos on both "How Long Has This Been Going On," and "My Romance." After listening to these songs, there can be no doubt that Webster is one of the best balladeers jazz has ever produced. Edison gets his moment in the sun too. On the album closer, Sweets plays a wonderful, even fairly modern sounding, rendition of "Embraceable You" using a Harmon mute. The ballads, enhanced by the wonderful harmonic sense of pianist Hank Jones, are the highlight of this release, and show both Webster and Sweets' unbeatable melodic sense.
Ben Webster was considered to be on of the three most important 'swing tenors' along with Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young. Known by some as "The Brute", he had a tough, raspy and brutal tone on stomps but could deliver warmth and sentiment on softer ballads. Trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison spent his early childhood in Kentucky where he was introduced to music by his uncle. After moving back to his hometown of Columbus, Ohio at the age of 12, he began playing the trumpet with local bands, eventually landing a spot with the Count Basie Orchestra.

"Tenor-saxophonist Ben Webster and trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, both veterans of the swing era (although associated with different orchestras), had long wanted to record a full album together. The results, a swinging quintet set with pianist Hank Jones, bassist George Duvivier and drummer Clarence Johnston, are quite rewarding. There are two ballad features for the tenor ("How Long Has This Been Going on" and a beautiful version of "My Romance") and one for Edison ("Embraceable You") along with three medium-tempo collaborations. Nothing unexpected occurs but the melodic music is quite enjoyable." (~~Scott Yanow,AMG)

NOTE: A 2 LP set was brought out by Original label in 2012.Luscious Sound, High Quality Audiophile Pressing. A Must-Have for Jazz Saxophone & Trumpet Lovers! 2,500 limited edition and numbered copies. Remastered 180 Gram vinyl, 45RPM set.(Out Of stock)

Line-Up:
Ben webster - Saxophone
Harry 'Sweets' Edison - Trumpet
Hank Jones - Piano
George Duvivier - Bass
Clarence Johnston - Drums

Recorded on June 6 & 7,1962 at the Columbia 30th Street Studio in New York City
Produced by Mike Bemiker
Digital Remix Producer: Michael Brooks
Digital Remix Engineer: Larry Keyes
All digital engineering and mastering at CBS Studio, New York
Jazz Masterpieces Series Coordination: Mike Bemiker and Amy Herot
Historical Research: Nathaniel Brewster
Cover Design: Allen Weinberg Cover Photo: CBS Records Photo File

Ben and 'Sweets'

1 comment:

ALWAYS include your name/nick/aka/anything!