Silky Denims: Ben Webster

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Monday, August 7, 2023

Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster - The Tenor Sax Album (Disc 1), (Disc 2)

Album: The Tenor Sax Album (Disc 1)
Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1977
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:18
Size: 102,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:14) 1. Honeysuckle Rose
(3:04) 2. I Surrender Dear
(3:14) 3. Blue Skies
(2:59) 4. Kat's Fur
(3:51) 5. Body And Soul (alt)
(3:13) 6. Girl Of My Dreams
(2:46) 7. Jim Dawgs
(2:49) 8. Scufflin'
(2:53) 9. I.Q. Blues
(2:41) 10. Lunatic
(2:38) 11. Can't Help Loving That Man
(2:43) 12. Red Man Bounce
(2:39) 13. Baby Watch That Stuff
(2:48) 14. Misty Blues
(2:37) 15. Take The A Train

Album: The Tenor Sax Album (Disc 2)
Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1977
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:59
Size: 101,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:05) 1. Don't Blame Me
(2:54) 2. Jumpin' Jacquet
(2:47) 3. Blues Mood
(2:53) 4. Jacquet In The Box
(2:48) 5. Savoy Blip
(2:56) 6. Doggin' With Doggett (alt)
(2:46) 7. Minor Romp
(2:36) 8. Berry's Blues
(2:52) 9. Last Stop
(3:07) 10. Should I
(2:54) 11. Flight Eleven
(2:58) 12. Modern Fantasy
(2:57) 13. Confessin'
(3:24) 14. September Song
(2:55) 15. They Can't Take That Away From Me

The Tenor Sax Album (Disc 1),(Disc 2)

Sunday, February 5, 2023

Ben Webster - That's All - Autumn Jazz Part.I, Part. II

Album: That's All - Autumn Jazz Part I
Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2022
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 104:38
Size: 249,1 MB

(3:47) 1. That's All
(2:42) 2. Cocktails For Two
(2:33) 3. How Deep Is The Ocean
(2:49) 4. The Ghost Of Dinah
(2:10) 5. Roses Of Picardy
(2:48) 6. Pennies From Heaven
(2:48) 7. Trouble In Mind
(2:49) 8. While We're Dancing
(3:05) 9. Sophisticated Lady
(3:56) 10. Poutin'
(2:54) 11. That's All>
(2:59) 12. Who
(3:02) 13. Tenderly
(3:06) 14. Stardust
(2:58) 15. Hotter Than 'Ell
(3:10) 16. Linger Awhile
(3:11) 17. In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning
(3:05) 18. Don't Get Around Much Any More
(3:20) 19. Cotton Tail
(3:24) 20. My Funny Valentine
(3:19) 21. The Single Petal Of A Rose
(3:31) 22. I Didn't Know About You
(3:55) 23. Sunday
(3:55) 24. Chelsea Bridge
(3:37) 25. Danny Boy
(3:38) 26. My Greatest Mistake
(5:51) 27. Fajista
(3:41) 28. There Is No Greater Love
(4:10) 29. Coal Train
(4:05) 30. Honey Hill
(4:04) 31. Midnight Blue

Album: That's All - Autumn Jazz Part II
Time: 176:18
Size: 413,2 MB

(3:56) 1. What Am I Here For
(4:23) 2. Ev's Mad
(4:15) 3. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
(4:14) 4. Prisoner Of Love
(4:11) 5. Jive At Six
(4:39) 6. Willow Weep For Me
(4:30) 7. We'll Be Together Again
(4:31) 8. Bounce Blues
(4:45) 9. All Too Soon
(4:47) 10. Prelude To A Kiss
(4:34) 11. Time After Time
(4:39) 12. De-Dar
(4:48) 13. Shine On Harvest Moon
(4:57) 14. When I Fall In Love
(4:49) 15. Early Autumn
(5:39) 16. For Bessie
(5:20) 17. Tangerine
(5:05) 18. Rosita
(6:17) 19. The Touch Of Your Lips
(5:42) 20. The Cat Walk
(5:47) 21. It Never Entered My Mind
(6:53) 22. You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me
(6:26) 23. Just Friends (Instrumental)
(6:44) 24. Blues For Yolande
(6:42) 25. Bye Bye Blackbird
(7:21) 26. Blues In B Flat
(7:38) 27. Who's Got Rhythm?
(8:12) 28. Blues For Mr. Broadway
(8:24) 29. Ash
(8:25) 30. The Kid And The Brute
(7:28) 31. What Is This Thing Called Love

Ben Webster was considered one of the "big three" of swing tenors along with Coleman Hawkins (his main influence) and Lester Young. He had a tough, raspy, and brutal tone on stomps (with his own distinctive growls) yet on ballads he would turn into a pussy cat and play with warmth and sentiment.

After violin lessons as a child, Webster learned how to play rudimentary piano (his neighbor Pete Johnson taught him to play blues). But after Budd Johnson showed him some basics on the saxophone, Webster played sax in the Young Family Band (which at the time included Lester Young). He had stints with Jap Allen and Blanche Calloway (making his recording debut with the latter) before joining Bennie Moten's Orchestra in time to be one of the stars on a classic session in 1932. Webster spent time with quite a few orchestras in the 1930s (including Andy Kirk, Fletcher Henderson in 1934, Benny Carter, Willie Bryant, Cab Calloway, and the short-lived Teddy Wilson big band).

In 1940 (after short stints in 1935 and 1936), Ben Webster became Duke Ellington's first major tenor soloist. During the next three years he was on many famous recordings, including "Cotton Tail" (which in addition to his memorable solo had a saxophone ensemble arranged by Webster) and "All Too Soon." After leaving Ellington in 1943 (he would return for a time in 1948-1949), Webster worked on 52nd Street; recorded frequently as both a leader and a sideman; had short periods with Raymond Scott, John Kirby, and Sid Catlett; and toured with Jazz at the Philharmonic during several seasons in the 1950s. Although his sound was considered out-of-style by that decade, Webster's work on ballads became quite popular and Norman Granz recorded him on many memorable sessions.

Webster recorded a classic set with Art Tatum and generally worked steadily, but in 1964 he moved permanently to Copenhagen where he played when he pleased during his last decade. Although not all that flexible, Webster could swing with the best and his tone was a later influence on such diverse players as Archie Shepp, Lew Tabackin, Scott Hamilton, and Bennie Wallace.
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/ben-webster

That's All - Autumn Jazz Part I

That's All - Autumn Jazz Part II

Monday, January 2, 2023

Ben Webster - Music For Loving (2-Disc Set)

Combining two string albums by Ben Webster and one from Ellington sideman Harry Carney, the two-disc Music With Feeling delivers over two hours' worth of incredible ballad interpretations. Webster, of course, made his name with many an after-hours gem, and he predictably shines here amidst the lush yet tasteful orchestral charts penned by Ralph Burns, Gerald Wilson, and Billy Strayhorn; there are particularly fine renditions here of "Early Autumn" and Strayhorn's misty and mercurial "Chelsea Bridge." Carney, too, is stunning, handling the traditionally cumbersome baritone saxophone with grace and loads of feeling, especially on highlights like "It Had to Be You" and his and Strayhorn's "Chalmeau." Forget all those bachelor-pad compilations and give this collection a spin at your next cocktail party. ~Stephen Cook

Album: Music For Loving (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:48
Size: 171.3 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 1995

[3:55] 1. Chelsea Bridge
[4:38] 2. Willow Weep For Me
[3:45] 3. There Is No Greater Love
[4:03] 4. Teach Me Tonight
[4:09] 5. Until Tonight
[4:31] 6. We'll Be Together Again
[5:05] 7. Blue Moon
[4:53] 8. Early Autumn
[3:39] 9. My Greatest Mistake
[4:00] 10. What Am I Here For
[4:48] 11. All Too Soon
[3:21] 12. Love Is Here To Stay
[3:21] 13. It Happens To Be Me
[4:43] 14. Do Nothing 'til You Hear From Me
[4:49] 15. Prelude To A Kiss
[4:25] 16. Come Rain Or Come Shine
[3:21] 17. Love Is Here To Stay
[3:16] 18. Love Is Here To Stay

Album: Music For Loving (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 79:04
Size: 181.0 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 1995
Art: Front

[4:46] 1. Some Other Spring
[3:37] 2. When Your Lover Has Gone
[4:32] 3. Stars Fell On Alabama
[3:21] 4. Under A Blanket Of Blue
[4:40] 5. Stars Fell On Alabama
[3:31] 6. Under A Blanket Of Blue
[3:20] 7. Under A Blanket Of Blue
[3:22] 8. My Funny Valentine
[3:07] 9. You're Mine, You!
[3:04] 10. Sophisticated Lady
[3:19] 11. Love's Away
[3:59] 12. Almost Like Being In Love
[5:48] 13. (I Don't Stand) A Ghost Of A Chance (With You)
[4:47] 14. Take The 'a' Train
[3:40] 15. We're In Love Again
[3:37] 16. Chalmeau
[3:40] 17. Moonlight On The Ganges
[4:16] 18. It Had To Be You
[4:08] 19. Fantasy
[4:21] 20. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)

Music For Loving (Disc 1), (Disc 2)

Thursday, September 22, 2022

Joe Williams Feat. Ben Webster - Havin' A Good Time

Styles: Vocal And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:25
Size: 125,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:21) 1. Just a Sittin' and a Rockin'
(6:43) 2. Kansas City Blues
(3:02) 3. By the River St. Marie
(5:00) 4. That's All
(2:36) 5. Alone Together
(3:10) 6. I'm Through with Love
(2:34) 7. The Great City
(6:23) 8. A Hundred Years from Today
(6:46) 9. Ain't Misbehavin'
(5:57) 10. Honeysuckle Rose
(2:05) 11. Alright, Okay, You Win
(4:47) 12. Have a Good Time
(0:54) 13. Band Intro & Goodbye

Havin' A Good Time documents a concert that never should have happened. In the winter of 1964 Providence was socked with a blizzard that kept eager concertgoers away from the club where Joe Williams was playing. Enough people showed up that he still had to perform a few sets, but the lucky few who were there were given a rare treat; improbably, Ben Webster showed up out of nowhere and asked if he could sit in.

This is the sort of magical encounter on which jazz thrives: no preparation, no rehearsal, just a couple of masters joining together to produce some wonderful music on the spot. According to pianist Junior Mance, this was the only meeting between Webster and Williams, and fortunately it was caught on tape. All of these songs are either well-known or based on fairly simple chord progressions, which allows the band to plug into the numbers without much difficulty.

If Webster hadn't appeared, the set would still have been worth a listen; Williams always did his best work in front of an audience, and the fact that the small crowd had braved the storm to see him no doubt only added to his enthusiastic delivery. Blues songs like "Just A Sittin' and A Rockin' were tailor-made for Williams' rich baritone and exuberant presence. But the presence of Webster adds a new dimension; he gets ample solo space, really digging in to the slower numbers that he plays so beautifully, and huffs quietly behind Williams as he sings. The rhythm section seems invigorated by the chance to play with the added firepower; Junior Mance in particular carves out a niche with some smoking accompaniment.

Havin' A Good Time is an appropriate title for this new release. Clearly the audience enjoyed the collaboration and the musicians crafted some terrific entertainment. It may have been cold and snowy outside, but it sure was hot inside. By David Rickert https://www.allaboutjazz.com/havin-a-good-time-hyena-records-review-by-david-rickert

Personnel: Joe Williams: Vocals; Junior Mance: Piano; Mickey Roker: Drums; Ben Webster: Tenor Saxophone; Bob Cranshaw: Bass.

Havin' A Good Time

Monday, March 15, 2021

Art Tatum, Ben Webster - The Album (Remastered + Bonus Tracks)

Styles: Piano And Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1956/2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:42
Size: 150,4 MB
Art: Front

(7:12) 1. All the Things You Are
(4:45) 2. Gone with The Wind
(4:46) 3. Have You Met Miss Jones?
(5:27) 4. Night and Day
(6:24) 5. Where or When
(7:14) 6. My Ideal
(6:15) 7. My One and Only Love
(6:04) 8. All The Things You Are
(3:04) 9. Gone with The Wind
(4:51) 10. Have You Met Miss Jones?
(3:17) 11. Night and Day
(5:17) 12. Where or When

The only album-length collaboration between pianist Art Tatum and tenor saxophonist Ben Webster (accompanied by a rhythm section of Red Callender, bass, and Bill Douglass, drums) was this September 11, 1956, session under the auspices of Norman Granz's Verve Records label. (It was also Tatum's last recording session before his death.) Granz probably suggested the repertoire of standards by the likes of Kern and Hammerstein, Rodgers & Hart, and Cole Porter, but the melodies, of course, only provide a framework. On each track, Tatum leads things off, with Callender and Douglass coming in discreetly (and low in the mix). Then, at a certain point, Webster appears in the foreground, playing comparatively few notes and sticking much more to the melody than his partner. This is a good approach, since Tatum never subsides to simple comping; he just keeps soloing away under Webster's rich tenor tones until Webster stops playing, and then keeps on to the end. So, although this is billed as a group effort, it's not a group of equals or really one in which the players are cooperating with each other. Tatum might as well be playing solo, since he takes very little account of what's happening around him. Granz makes it work by varying the volume of the different instruments in the mix, and the result is a fascinating study in contrasts.
~ William Ruhlmann https://www.allmusic.com/album/art-tatum-ben-webster-quartet-mw0000660477

Personnel: Art Tatum (p), Ben Webster (ts), Red Callender (b), Bill Douglass (d)

The Album

Friday, July 10, 2020

Ben Webster - At The Renaissance

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1960
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:51
Size: 156,1 MB
Art: Front

( 9:30) 1. Gone With The Wind
(11:22) 2. Stardust
(10:16) 3. Caravan
( 6:59) 4. Georgia On My Mind
( 7:14) 5. Ole Miss Blues
( 8:24) 6. Mop Mop
( 7:47) 7. What Is This Thing Called Love
( 6:15) 8. Renaissance Blues

This live set features tenor great Ben Webster playing with pianist Jimmy Rowles, guitarist Jim Hall, bassist Red Mitchell, and drummer Frank Butler in a club, and the music is consistently wonderful. Whether showing warmth and sentimentality on "Georgia on My Mind" and "Stardust" or growling and roaring on "Caravan" and "Ole Miss Blues," Webster (who was then somewhat taken for granted) is in superior and creative form. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/at-the-renaissance-mw0000006477

Personnel: Ben Webster - tenor saxophone; Jim Hall - guitar; Jimmy Rowles - piano; Red Mitchell - bass; Frank Butler - drums

At The Renaissance

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Harry 'Sweets' Edison - Gee, Baby Ain't I Good to You

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:26
Size: 100,0 MB
Scans: Front

(7:38) 1. Blues For Piney Brown
(4:50) 2. Blues For The Blues
(9:31) 3. Blues For Bill Basie
(3:32) 4. Gee, Baby Ain't I Good To You
(6:52) 5. You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me
(7:03) 6. Taste On The Place
(3:57) 7. Moonlight In Vermont

Harry "Sweets" Edison got the most mileage out of a single note, like his former boss Count Basie. Edison, immediately recognizable within a note or two, long used repetition and simplicity to his advantage while always swinging. He played in local bands in Columbus and then in 1933 joined the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra. After a couple years in St. Louis, Edison moved to New York where he joined Lucky Millinder and then in June 1938, Count Basie, remaining with that classic orchestra until it broke up in 1950. During that period, he was featured on many records, appeared in the 1944 short Jammin' the Blues and gained his nickname "Sweets" (due to his tone) from Lester Young. In the 1950s, Edison toured with Jazz at the Philharmonic, settled in Los Angeles, and was well-featured both as a studio musician (most noticeably on Frank Sinatra records) and on jazz dates. He had several reunions with Count Basie in the 1960s and by the '70s was often teamed with Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis; Edison also recorded an excellent duet album for Pablo with Oscar Peterson. One of the few swing trumpeters to be influenced by Dizzy Gillespie, Sweets led sessions through the years for Pacific Jazz, Verve, Roulette, Riverside, Vee-Jay, Liberty, Sue, Black & Blue, Pablo, Storyville, and Candid among others. Although his playing faded during the 1980s and '90s, Edison could still say more with one note than nearly anyone; he died July 27, 1999, at age 83. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/harry-sweets-edison-mn0000670641/biography

Personnel: Trumpet – Harry'Sweets'Edison; Bass – Ray Brown; Drums – Alvin Stoller; Guitar – Barney Kessel; Piano – Oscar Peterson; Tenor Saxophone – Ben Webster

Gee, Baby Ain't I Good to You

Friday, August 2, 2019

Ben Webster, Don Byas - Ben Webster Meets Don Byas

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:55
Size: 85,0 MB
Art: Front

(7:04) 1. Blues for Dottie Mae
(5:46) 2. Lullaby to Dottie Mae
(6:08) 3. Sunday
(5:47) 4. Perdido
(3:00) 5. When Ash Meets Henry
(9:07) 6. Caravan

This early-'70s meeting between two giants of the tenor sax (both of whom by this time were living in Europe on a permanent basis) is full of memorable moments. The styles of Ben Webster and Don Byas provide a distinct contrast (though Byas was also a swing-influenced saxophonist, he was heavily into bop as well), yet they mesh very well together. On their opening improvised "Blues for Dottie Mae," Webster's big toned swing tends to dominate, though Byas' boppish lines dart around at lightning speeds; Tete Montoliu's bluesy piano provides the perfect support. The roles are evened out a bit more on a swinging take of "Sunday." The evenly matched tenor battle continues with a rousing "Perdido" and very swinging "Caravan." Bassist Peter Trunk introduces Byas' "Lullaby to Dottie Mae," an easygoing reworking of the timeless ballad "Body and Soul," which features a rapid-fire solo by Byas. Webster's turn in the solo spotlight is his own ballad "When Ash Meets Henry," in which he is accompanied only by Trunk's well chosen basslines. Also present on the date is drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath. Sadly, this LP was a bit of a swan song for both tenor saxophonists; Byas died in the year prior to its 1973 release, while Webster died the following year, though he taped at least one more album following this one. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/ben-meets-don-byas-mw0000188808

Personnel: Tenor Saxophone – Ben Webster, Don Byas; Bass – Peter Trunk; Drums – Albert Heath; Piano – Tete Montoliu

Ben Webster Meets Don Byas

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Benny Carter - Jazz Giant (Remastered)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:09
Size: 89.6 MB
Styles: Bop, Swing, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1957/1987
Art: Front

[7:50] 1. Old Fashioned Love
[5:48] 2. I'm Coming Virginia
[6:00] 3. A Walkin' Thing
[4:58] 4. Blue Lou
[3:40] 5. Ain't She Sweet
[6:13] 6. How Can You Lose
[4:38] 7. Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me

Alto Saxophone – Benny Carter (tracks: 1, 3 to 7); Bass – Leroy Vinnegar; Drums – Shelly Manne; Guitar – Barney Kessel; Piano – André Previn (tracks: 1, 4 to 7), Jimmy Rowles (tracks: 2, 3); Tenor Saxophone – Ben Webster (tracks: 1 to 4, 6); Trombone – Frank Rosolino (tracks: 1 to 4, 6); Trumpet – Benny Carter (tracks: 2, 6). Recorded at Contemporary's Studio in Los Angeles; June 11 (#1, 4), July 22 (#2, 3), October 7, 1957 (#6) and April 21, 1958 (#5, 7).

Benny Carter was one of the top-admired original major alto saxophonists and perhaps one of the top world class jazz ensemble leaders up until the late-1950’s, where he was undoubtfully, as the title of this album suggests, a “Jazz Giant”, but this time this landmark project sounds even better in it’s own digitally-remastered complete format. Released in 1958 to critical success, Jazz Giant presents an all star session where it gradually showcase a lyrical and original form of fresh music that is unpretentious: bright, relaxed and buoyant placed along with a full dash of of infectious swing as each musician on the album get a chance to show off there worthy solos while Carter played with characteristic lyricism, technical faculty and a bounty of sounds on alto and- and on two tracks- flawlessly on trumpet, his first love. The track set proceed with exclusive style on other memorable reinditions of classic standards including Old-Fashioned Love, Blue Lou, A Walkin’ Thing, How Could You Lose?, Ain’t She Sweet, for whom Carter and the all-stars performs quintessential style and exquisite integrity. The last two tracks even comes to life in a fortuitous manner where Carter had been set out on the session, but became ill towards the last minute, and with noted jazz guitarist Barney Kessel taking over the musicians had decided to use some of there congenial informal playing where included some of the finest work recorded in the saxophone section. Remastered in its proud complete edition, what made Jazz Giant a time-honoured success can be owed to the band members who gratefully participated where they consisted of Kessel on the guitar, tenor saxophonist Ben Webster, both Andre Previn or Jimmy Knowles at the piano, session trombonist Frank Roselino and Shelly Manne at the drums, who help made this one of Carter’s finest and most beloved masterpieces. ~RH

Jazz Giant (Remastered) mc
Jazz Giant (Remastered) zippy

Thursday, June 7, 2018

Ben Webster - Gentle Ben

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:49
Size: 127.8 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 1972/2013
Art: Front

[9:01] 1. Ben's Blues
[5:35] 2. Strike Up The Band The Man I Love
[5:23] 3. My Nephew Bent
[8:03] 4. Rosalie How Long Has This Been Going On
[6:28] 5. Sweet Georgia Brown
[8:00] 6. Don't Blame Me
[8:38] 7. Did You Call
[4:37] 8. Barcelona Shout

Bass – Eric Peter; Drums – Peer Wyboris; Piano – Tete Montoliu; Saxophone [Tenor] – Ben Webster.

This recording was made 10 months before Ben Webster's death in 1972. Webster, who had left the United States in 1965 to settle in Europe - first in Copenhagen and then in Amsterdam - was visiting fellow musician and friend Tete Montoliu in Barcelona. Webster and pianist Montoliu went back a ways, having played together regularly in Webster's Copenhagen days. In fact, Montoliu cited Webster and Don Byas as his two chief musical influences. Webster and Montoliu understood each other deeply, and their comfort with one another is palpable in this recording. Their accompaniment of one another is seamless. On board with these two is Montoliu's regular working trio-mates, Eric Peter on bass and Peer Wyboris on drums.

Gentle Ben mc
Gentle Ben zippy

Thursday, May 31, 2018

Johnny Hodges - Storyville Masters Of Jazz

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:02
Size: 173,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:50) 1. Don't Get Around Much Anymore
(4:13) 2. Passion Flower
(2:56) 3. Perdido
(1:55) 4. All Of Me
(2:30) 5. C Jam Blues
(2:23) 6. I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good
(7:10) 7. In A Mellotone
(3:42) 8. Cambridge Blues
(4:37) 9. Brute's Roots
(2:51) 10. Bouncing With Ben
(5:16) 11. One For The Duke
(5:49) 12. Walkin' The Frog
(4:52) 13. Rabbit Pie
(4:17) 14. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
(3:36) 15. Good Queen Bess
(2:53) 16. The Jeep Is Jumpin'
(5:22) 17. Things Ain't What They Used To Be
(2:34) 18. Jeep's Blues
(4:05) 19. Dooji Wooji

Johnny Hodges is forever associated with Duke Ellington as one of his principle soloists, though he recorded extensively as a bandleader himself beginning in the '50s. This compilation draws from earlier Storyville releases, including a number of features for the alto saxophonist with Ellington, highlighted by "All of Me" and "Jeep's Blues." But the bulk of this CD contains all ten tracks of Hodges' earlier disc, Masters of Jazz, Vol. 9, which features the saxophonist leading two separate groups of all-stars in club settings. Six tracks come from a 1960 set at The Cellar in San Francisco, with Ben Webster providing a perfect foil for Hodges, all originals by the leader. Four selections come from a Norman Granz-sponsored European tour in 1961, where Hodges led a group of fellow Ellington veterans (Harry Carney, Ray Nance, Lawrence Brown, Aaron Bell and Sam Woodyard, with pianist Al Williams). Hodges' swinging take of "On the Sunny Side of the Street" is brilliant, with the other horn providing lush background and soft rifts for the soloist. In addition to Hodges, Brown also solos in both "Good Queen Bess" and a rousing "Things Ain't What They Used to Be." Highly recommended! ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/masters-of-jazz-mw0000547336

Personnel: Johnny Hodges (alto saxophone); Herb Ellis, Fred Guy (guitar); Russell Procope (clarinet, alto saxophone); Harry Carney (bass clarinet, baritone saxophone); Oett "Sax" Mallard (alto saxophone); Jimmy Hamilton, John Coltrane, Paul Gonsalves, Ben Webster (tenor saxophone); Harold Baker, Al Killian, Ray Nance, Rex Stewart, Shelton Hemphill, Francis Williams , Wallace Jones, Cat Anderson (trumpet); Joseph Nanton, Lawrence D. Brown, Juan Tizol, Quentin Jackson, Tyree Glenn (trombone); Victor Feldman, Duke Ellington, Lou Levy, Billy Strayhorn (piano); Gus Johnson , Sam Woodyard, Sonny Greer (drums).

Storyville Masters Of Jazz

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Ben Webster, Harry Edison - Essential Sextet Jazz Masters

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 144:11
Size: 330.1 MB
Styles: Bop
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[3:06] 1. Alone Together
[8:41] 2. Sunrise Blues
[3:30] 3. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You
[6:51] 4. Just A Mood
[3:26] 5. Makin' Whoopee
[3:55] 6. Moonlight In Vermont
[3:36] 7. Willow Weep For Me
[5:53] 8. Blues For The Blues
[4:50] 9. Willow Weep For Me
[6:51] 10. You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me
[3:21] 11. Louise
[3:21] 12. Love Is Here To Stay
[3:26] 13. Bidin' My Time
[7:14] 14. Walkin' With Sweets
[3:35] 15. Hollering At The Watkins
[9:29] 16. Blues For Bill Basie
[7:01] 17. The Night Is Blue
[5:59] 18. Used To Be Basie
[5:06] 19. Opus 711
[2:31] 20. Moon Song
[3:44] 21. How Deep Is The Ocean
[3:31] 22. K.M.Blues
[7:21] 23. Easy On The Eyes
[7:36] 24. Blues For Piney Brown
[8:13] 25. Studio Call
[4:48] 26. Blues For The Blues
[7:01] 27. Taste On The Place

Ben Webster (ts), Harry Edison (tp), Jimmy Rowles (p), Barney Kessel (g), Joe Mondragon (b), Alvin Stoller (d).

You are getting the fruits of collaborations between Sweets and Ben Webster during 1956-57, including tracks from albums led by both Red Norvo and Woody Herman. This compilation is identical in content to a 2-CD set titled Complete Sextet Studio Sessions. The key difference is the tracks in this compilation are scattered and interleaved, whereas the tracks on the CD version are grouped by source albums and sessions.

The CD set is sequenced that way and the listening experience is enhanced (in my opinion) when you hear the tracks from each session in that order. On the other hand, this MP3 version has almost the same sound quality as the CD set for a fraction of the cost. Either way, if you are a Ben Webster or Sweets Edison fan you win. ~Mike Tarrani

Essential Sextet Jazz Masters

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Red Norvo - Just a Mood

Styles: Vibraphone Jazz
Year: 1954
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:16
Size: 154,2 MB
Art: Front

(6:52) 1. Just a Mood
(7:23) 2. Easy on the Eye
(7:03) 3. The Night is Blue
(8:43) 4. Sunrise Blues
(3:11) 5. Blue Room
(3:28) 6. Blue Moon
(3:27) 7. Serenade in Blue
(2:55) 8. Blue Lou
(3:38) 9. Roses of Picardy
(3:48) 10. Rose Room
(3:43) 11. Blue Rose
(3:00) 12. Rose of the Rio Grande

Vibraphonist Red Norvo was among the most flexible of improvisers from his generation. On this Bluebird CD, Norvo is heard with three very different groups. He interacts with trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, tenor saxophonist Ben Webster and pianist Jimmy Rowles in a swing-oriented sextet; their performances are highlighted by the memorable "Just a Mood." In addition, Norvo plays four songs that have the word "Blue" in their titles with a quintet that is an outgrowth of his trio of a few years earlier (this group consists of flutist Buddy Collette, guitarist Tal Farlow, Monty Budwig or Red Callender on bass and drummer Chico Hamilton) and four "Rose" songs with the who's who of West Coast Jazz: trumpeter Shorty Rogers, clarinetist Jimmy Giuffre, pianist Pete Jolly, Farlow, Callender and drummer Larry Bunker. No matter what the setting, Norvo fits in quite comfortably and the consistent high-quality of the formerly rare music makes this a highly recommended set to bop collectors.
~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/just-a-mood-mw0000188491

Personnel: Red Norvo (xylophone, vibraphone); Ben Webster (tenor saxophone); Harry Edison, Shorty Rogers (trumpets); Buddy Collette (flute).

Just a Mood

Friday, April 13, 2018

Art Tatum - The Best Of The Pablo Group Masterpieces (Remastered)

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:57
Size: 160.1 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2003/2006
Art: Front

[5:03] 1. Perdido
[7:07] 2. Memories Of You
[3:34] 3. You Took Advantage Of Me
[7:12] 4. All The Things You Are
[5:22] 5. Body And Soul
[6:13] 6. Under A Blanket Of Blue
[4:11] 7. The Moon Is Low
[7:11] 8. Just One Of Those Things
[3:49] 9. Street Of Dreams
[7:11] 10. Somebody Loves Me
[7:14] 11. My Ideal
[5:45] 12. Deep Night

Alto Saxophone – Benny Carter (tracks: 6, 9); Bass – John Simmons (tracks: 3, 7), Red Callender (tracks: 2, 4, 8, 11, 12); Drums – Alvin Stoller (tracks: 3, 7), Bill Douglass (2) (tracks: 2, 4, 11, 12), Buddy Rich (tracks: 1, 5, 10), Jo Jones (tracks: 8), Louis Bellson (tracks: 6, 9); Guitar – Barney Kessel (tracks: 10); Piano – Art Tatum; Tenor Saxophone – Ben Webster (tracks: 4, 11); Trumpet – Harry "Sweets" Edison (tracks: 10), Roy Eldridge (tracks: 3, 7); Vibraphone [Vibes] – Lionel Hampton (tracks: 1, 5, 10).

A rich and rewarding core sample, selected from one of Norman Granz's deepest gold mines. The full set of Tatum ensemble master takes was released on eight vinyl records in 1975, appearing with alternate takes as a box of seven compact discs in 1990. Since then, each separate session has been issued on a single, affordable CD. With the release of this best-of, the only remaining untried reissue format stratagem could almost be conducted according to the laws of chance. If someone were to divide up the existing 59 master takes (saving the alternate takes for a "Best of the Tatum Alternates" compilation), the entire body of work could be issued as a numbered best-of series, the titles carefully shuffled at random. But each volume would possibly still omit something that could be considered essential. This is the insoluble problem with anything calling itself a best-of. Fortunately, the Tatum group recordings produced by Norman Granz during the years 1954, 1955, and 1956 actually deserve the word "masterpieces." While Tatum himself is honored as one of the very most gifted and influential of all jazz musicians, without exception every musician who participated in these sessions was adept, inspired, and, in many cases, masterful. (There are those who would suggest that the Art Tatum/Ben Webster date could stand by itself as the best of the group masterpieces.) Here, for once, is a package worthy of its title. A bit of the best of some of the very best jazz ever recorded. ~arwulf arwulf

The Best Of The Pablo Group Masterpieces (Remastered) mc
The Best Of The Pablo Group Masterpieces (Remastered) zippy

Sunday, February 4, 2018

Lionel Hampton, Oscar Peterson - Jazz Masters 26

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:50
Size: 148.4 MB
Styles: Vibraphone jazz, Swing
Year: 1994
Art: Front

[ 4:42] 1. Jam Blues
[ 7:58] 2. Always
[ 6:10] 3. Soft Winds
[ 9:54] 4. Star Dust
[ 6:29] 5. Je Ne Sais Pas
[10:10] 6. Tenderly
[ 6:20] 7. Hallelujah!
[ 7:08] 8. Sweethearts On Parade
[ 5:56] 9. Date With Oscar

Vibraphonist Lionel Hampton and pianist Oscar Peterson are the stars of this delightful collection of jazz recordings supervised by producer Norman Granz over an almost exactly 12-month period extending from 1953 to 1954. Granz's marvelous knack for bringing together excellent musicians resulted in the combined presence of trumpeters Roy Eldridge and Dizzy Gillespie, trombonist Bill Harris, clarinetist Buddy DeFranco, tenor saxophonists Ben Webster and Flip Phillips, guitarist Herb Ellis, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Buddy Rich. The combination of musical minds is extraordinary, and Hamp's amazing wavelength is dependably positive and uplifting. ~arwulf arwulf

Jazz Masters 26 mc
Jazz Masters 26 zippy

Sunday, December 24, 2017

Ben Webster - The Soul Of Ben Webster (2-Disc Set)

Bass – Jimmy Woode (tracks: CD2: 4-14), Milt Hinton (tracks: CD1: 1-7), Ray Brown (tracks: CD1: 8-12; CD2: 1-3); Drums – Alvin Stoller (tracks: CD1: 8-12; CD2: 1-3), Dave Bailey (tracks: CD1: 1-7), Sam Woodyard (tracks: CD2: 4-14); Guitar – Barney Kessel (tracks: CD1: 8, 9, 12; CD2: 1, 3), Herb Ellis (tracks: CD1: 10, 11; CD2: 2), Mundell Lowe (tracks: CD1: 1-7); Piano – Billy Strayhorn (tracks: CD2: 4-14), Jimmy Jones (3) (tracks: CD1: 1-7), Oscar Peterson (tracks: CD1: 8-12; CD2: 1-3); Saxophone [Alto] – Johnny Hodges (tracks: CD2: 4-14); Saxophone [Tenor] – Ben Webster (tracks: CD1: 2, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12; CD2: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13), Harold Ashby (tracks: CD1: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7); Trombone – Vic Dickenson (tracks: CD2: 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13); Trumpet – Art Farmer (tracks: CD1: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7), Harry Edison (tracks: CD1: 8-12; CD2: 1-3), Roy Eldridge (tracks: CD2: 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13).

How can you go wrong with this 2 CD set that combines three late 1950's Verve recordings by Ben Webster, Harry "Sweets" Edison and Johnny Hodges into one set. Roy Eldridge comes along for the ride as well as a few other notables from the Norman Granz stable. This collection of music includes a lot of swing renditions of classic standards and some blues, and a few ballads. Each leader shines on his respective set, especially Edison who's selection of 8 tunes is heavily swing/blues oriented in a very Basie-esque style. Highly recommended if you're a small ensemble swing fan. ~William Faust

Album: The Soul Of Ben Webster (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:28
Size: 172,3MB
Styles: Mainstream jazz, Jazz instrument, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1995

( 3:48) 1. Fajista
( 3:40) 2. Chelsea Bridge
(15:31) 3. Charlotte's Piccolo
( 4:10) 4. Coal Train
( 4:53) 5. When I Fall In Love
( 4:23) 6. Ev's Mad
( 8:24) 7. Ash
( 4:51) 8. Blues For The Blues
( 7:40) 9. Blues For Piney Brown
( 3:58) 10. Moonlight In Vermont
( 7:11) 11. Taste On The Place
( 5:52) 12. Blues For The Blues

The Soul Of Ben Webster (Disc 1)

Album: The Soul Of Ben Webster (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 78:16
Size: 181,4MB
Styles: Mainstream jazz, Jazz instrument, Saxophone jazz
Year: 1995
Art: Front

(3:39) 1. Gee, Baby, Ain't I Good To You?
(9:33) 2. Blues For Bill Basie
(6:53) 3. You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me
(3:34) 4. I Didn't Know About You
(9:39) 5. Reelin' And Rockin'
(3:20) 6. Gone With The Wind
(4:04) 7. Honey Hill
(3:24) 8. Blues-A-Plenty
(3:43) 9. Don't Take Your Love From Me
(6:01) 10. Saturday Afternoon Blues
(5:04) 11. Satin Doll
(3:46) 12. Cool Your Motor
(9:44) 13. Reelin' And Rockin'
(5:45) 14. Don't Take Your Love From Me

The Soul Of Ben Webster (Disc 2)

Sunday, November 5, 2017

Johnny Hodges & His Orchestra - Not So Dukish

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:13
Size: 85.2 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 2010
Art: Front

[5:56] 1. M. H. R.
[2:44] 2. Broadway Babe
[2:22] 3. Three And Six
[7:50] 4. Not So Dukish
[3:23] 5. Central Park Swing
[8:25] 6. Preacher Blues
[3:36] 7. Jeep Bounced Back
[2:55] 8. The Last Time I Saw Paris

Roy Eldridge, Ray Nance (tp), Lawrence Brown (tb), Johnny Hodges (as), Ben Webster (ts), Billy Strayhorn (p), Jimmy Woode (b) and Sam Woodyard (d). Recorded in New York City, on September 10, 1958.

As Duke Ellington's altoist during 1928-51 and 1955-70, Johnny Hodges became world famous and beloved by jazz fans. His luscious tone and melodic style on ballads, blues and swing tunes was highly influential, making him the top altoist (along with Benny Carter) before the rise of Charlie Parker. Hodges led quite a few sessions of his own along the way,. During 1951-55 broke away from Ellington to lead his own combo, before returning for another 15 years.

Not So Dukish is an album recorded by American jazz saxophonist Johnny Hodges featuring performances recorded in 1958 and released on the Verve label.

Not So Dukish

Monday, August 28, 2017

Clark Terry - The Happy Horns Of Clark Terry

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:11
Size: 78.3 MB
Styles: Bop, Trumpet jazz
Year: 1964/1994
Art: Front

[4:39] 1. Rockin' In Rhythm
[4:08] 2. In A Mist
[3:04] 3. Return To Swahili
[2:56] 4. Ellington Rides Again (Medley)
[4:39] 5. Impulsive
[3:35] 6. Do Nothing 'til You Hear From Me
[4:30] 7. Jazz Conversations
[3:47] 8. High Towers
[2:48] 9. Hammer Head Waltz

Double Bass – Milt Hinton; Drums – Walter Perkins; Piano – Roger Kellaway; Saxophone [Alto], Clarinet – Phil Woods; Saxophone [Tenor] – Ben Webster; Trumpet – Clark Terry. Recorded: March 13, 1964.

This all-star LP has plenty of memorable moments. Flugelhornist Clark Terry teams up with altoist Phil Woods (who doubles on clarinet), tenor great Ben Webster, pianist Roger Kellaway, bassist Milt Hinton, and drummer Walter Perkins for a varied program that includes a rollicking version of "Rockin' in Rhythm," Bix Beiderbecke's "In a Mist," a Duke Ellington medley, and "Return to Swahili," which is mostly a flügelhorn-drums duet. The lively music is quite enjoyable. ~Scott Yanow

The Happy Horns Of Clark Terry

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Jimmy Witherspoon - Witherspoon Mulligan Webster At The Renaissance

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:54
Size: 95.9 MB
Styles: Jazz/Blues
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[3:34] 1. Introduction
[3:25] 2. Time's Gettin' Tougher Than Tough
[3:22] 3. How Long Blues
[4:41] 4. Corrine, Corrina
[4:24] 5. C.C. Rider
[2:42] 6. Roll 'em Pete
[3:10] 7. Every Day I Have The Blues
[3:46] 8. Kansas City
[3:25] 9. I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town
[5:32] 10. St. Louis Blues
[3:49] 11. Trouble In Mind

Bass – Leroy Vinnegar; Drums – Mel Lewis; Piano – Jimmy Rowles; Saxophone – Ben Webster, Gerry Mulligan; Vocals – Jimmy Witherspoon. Recorded live at the Rennaissance Club, L.A., California, Dec. 2 & 9 1959.

In what sounds like a late-'50s session at the Renaissance Club in Los Angeles, blues belter Jimmy Witherspoon is backed by an all-star quintet featuring soloists Ben Webster and Gerry Mulligan, with pianist Jimmy Rowles and his trio. There are ten classic selections: first-rate familiar tunes to all fans of the blues, and not a speck of cereal filler. 'Spoon and his band sound on the money, but the only problem lies in the production values, where the musicians -- and especially the vocalist -- are distant, and recorded a bit thinly. Regardless, this is a collection most fans of the legendary Witherspoon should want and search for. ~Michael G. Nastos

Witherspoon Mulligan Webster At The Renaissance

Friday, July 14, 2017

Lionel Hampton - You Better Know It

Styles: Vocal And Vibraphone Jazz
Year: 1964
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:49
Size: 91,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:29) 1. Ring Dem Bells
(5:08) 2. Vibraphone Blues
(3:59) 3. Tempo's Birthday
(3:12) 4. Sweethearts on Parade
(5:34) 5. Moon over My Annie
(3:34) 6. Pick-A-Rib
(6:03) 7. Trick or Treat
(3:06) 8. Cute
(2:44) 9. A Taste of Honey
(2:55) 10. Swingle Jingle

Vibist Lionel Hampton's rhythmic abilities haven't been dulled by age, and he displayed his proficiency on this date, which includes the enjoyable bonus track "Moon Over My Annie." There was no wasted energy or unnecessary or exaggerated solos; just bluesy, assertive, muscular arrangements, accompaniment, and ensemble segments. Highlights included "Vibraphone Blues," "Trick or Treat" and "Swingle Jingle," in which Hampton shifted from vibes to piano. ~ Ron Wynn http://www.allmusic.com/album/you-better-know-it%21%21%21-mw0000623627

Personnel: Lionel Hampton (vocals, vibraphone, piano); Ben Webster (tenor saxophone); Clark Terry (trumpet); Hank Jones (piano); Milt Hinton (bass); Osie Johnson (drums).

You Better Know It