Ben Webster - Soulville

Cat. no: 772350
Format: LP
Barcode: 8435723700838
Release Date: 14 Mar 2025
Genre: Jazz

The complete album - pressed on limited edition 180g vinyl

Tenor saxophonist Ben Webster (1909 - 1973) had already enjoyed a long and fruitful career by the time this 1957 session was recorded. However, as Bob Blumenthal explains in the original liner notes, he still wasn't known for the sensual ballad feeling that became his trademark during the last two decades of his life. At that time, he was still recognized for the hard blowing fast tenor sax style he played with both the Duke Ellington Orchestra and his own multiple small groups.

Even though his repertoire was generally linked to that of Duke Ellington, this classic Norman Granz produced session presents Webster playing four popular ballads and two of his own bluesy compositions, Soulville and Late Date. On hand in support are the incredible Oscar Peterson Trio (Herb Ellis, Ray Brown), and drummer Stan Levey.

"The by turns grizzled and vaporous-toned Webster really hit his stride on the Verve label. This 1957 date with the Oscar Peterson Trio is one of the highlights of that golden '50s run. After starting off with two bluesy originals, Webster gets to the heart of things on fve wistful ballads. Providing sympathetic counterpoint, Peterson forgoes his usual pyrotechnics for some leisurely compact solos; his cohorts - guitarist Herb Ellis, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Stan Levey - are equally assured and splendid. Newcomers shouldn't hesitate to start here." - ***** Stephen Cook, AllMusic

Tracks: Soulville / Late Date / Time On My Hands / Lover Come Back To Me / Where Are You? / Makin' Whoopee / Ill Wind