Search - Ben Webster :: Centennial Celebration

Fine Music - Limited Selection

Sax Lover | 03/15/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I haven't purchased this CD because I already have the CD's from which it is compiled, but the selections are excellent. I give it 1 star less for being limited to tracks from only 4 recording sessions; a Centennial Celebration CD should be more of a complete retrospective. Many other outstanding recordings are overlooked, presumably due to the difficulty of obtaining the rights for re-release from too many record companies.



Here are 3 tracks from "The Tatum Group Masterpieces, Vol.8," 3 tracks from "Soulmates" with Joe Zawinul, 2 tracks from Ben Webster, "At The Renaissance," and 1 track from "BBB & Co.," with Benny Carter & Barney Bigard, some of Ben Webster's last USA recording sessions before emigrating to Europe, all of which demonstrate the maturity & refinement of his playing during this period.



Ben Webster brought forth the most emotionally expressive voice of the tenor sax, even though he is unanimously ranked below Coleman Hawkins & Lester Young by jazz historians. Despite the tendency to repeat favorite riffs & phrasing techniques, Ben discovered the secret of emoting from his heart to the heart of listeners in a very special way.



This compilation offers a fine demonstration of this quality of playing, but does less to celebrate the oeuvre of an artist of Ben's calibre. Still, buy this one, if you haven't heard these songs before; there are gems. "Georgia On My Mind" Live at the Renaissance is the only version I've heard that can stand up to Ray Charles' rendition, and all of the tracks feature some very sublime music."

Ben Fantastic Webster

Sax Lover | 05/20/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have no words to talk about Ben Webster. He is the best of tenors."