Ben Webster – Ballads (Remastered) (2017) [Official Digital Download 24bit/192kHz]

Ben Webster – Ballads (Remastered) (2017)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 42:30 minutes | 1,34 GB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Digital Booklet, Front Cover | © 2xHD

Swing tenor saxophone player Ben Webster earned the nickname “The Brute and the Beautiful” in jazz circles where his musical versatility was well-known. Webster’s signature tough, raspy and gruff tone softened on ballads, which he played with warmth and sentiment. This release presents the romantic side of Webster, showcasing some of his most impressive sessions from the 1950s, accompanied by Billy Strayhorn, Teddy Wilson and Jimmy Hamilton.

„In the 1950s, tenor-saxophonist Ben Webster was at the peak of his powers. His musical personality really featured two separate emotions: harsh and tough on the faster pieces and surprisingly warm and tender on the ballads. Webster uses the latter voice throughout this two-LP set. On all but four of 20 selections, Ben is backed by a string section arranged by Ralph Burns (except for “Chelsea Bridge” which was arranged by Billy Strayhorn) and, although clarinetists Tony Scott and Jimmy Hamilton and pianists Teddy Wilson and Hank Jones are heard from, the focus is otherwise entirely on the great tenor. The final four numbers, which matches Webster with Wilson in a stringless quartet, also stick to ballads. Music that is both beautiful and creative.“ (Scott Yanow, AMG)

Tracklist:

1. Ben Webster – Stardust (06:24)
2. Ben Webster – Cry Me a River (04:14)
3. Ben Webster – For Heaven’s Sake (07:51)
4. Ben Webster – Greensleeves (02:26)
5. Ben Webster – My Romance (08:40)
6. Ben Webster – Willow Weep for Me (05:21)
7. Ben Webster – Old Folks (07:32)

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