Ben Webster
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 tone on stomps (with his own distinctive growls), yet on ballads he would 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 and 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 style was falling out of fashion 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. His distinctive tone was a later influence on such diverse players as Archie Shepp, Lew Tabackin, Scott Hamilton, and Bennie Wallace.
© Scott Yanow /TiVo
Similar artists
-
Ben Webster Meets Oscar Peterson
Jazz - Released by Verve Reissues on 21 Aug 2023
The Qobuz Essential Discography24-Bit 192.0 kHz - Stereo -
Coleman Hawkins Encounters Ben Webster
Jazz - Released by Verve Reissues on 29 May 2023
24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo -
Ben Webster Plays Ballads Remastered (Remastered)
Jazz - Released by Storyville on 23 Nov 2018
24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo -
-
Coleman Hawkins Encounters Ben Webster
Jazz - Released by Verve Reissues on 29 May 2023
24-Bit 192.0 kHz - Stereo -
Gentle Ben
Ben Webster, Tete Montoliu Trio
Jazz - Released by DiscMedi S.A. on 3 May 2024
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
-
Complete 1954-61 Small Group Studio Sessions (Bonus Track Version)
Jazz - Released by Jazz Lovers on 6 May 2016
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
BD Music Presents Ben Webster
Blues - Released by BDMUSIC on 11 Jul 2011
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Complete Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben Webster Sessions
Jazz - Released by Verve Reissues on 1 Jan 1997
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Live at Jazzhus Montmartre, Vol. 1
Jazz - Released by 1201 MUSIC on 22 Jul 2014
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Live at Jazzhus Montmartre, Vol. 2
Jazz - Released by 1201 MUSIC on 22 Jul 2014
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Three Classic Albums Plus (Blue Saxophones / Soulville / The Soul Of Ben Webster) (Digitally Remastered)
Jazz - Released by Avid Entertainment on 25 Sep 2011
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
-
-
25 Essentials of Ben Webster
Jazz - Released by BNF Collection on 1 Jan 2022
24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo -
Ben Webster & Art Tatum Quartet
Jazz - Released by Efor, S.L on 16 Mar 2011
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Soulville
Jazz - Released by Music Manager on 25 Feb 2003
The Qobuz Essential Discography24-Bit 48.0 kHz - Stereo -
The Complete Recordings: 1952-1959
Jazz - Released by ENLIGHTENMENT on 26 May 2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Le souffle des deux grands (Mono Version)
Gerry Mulligan Quartet, Ben Webster
Jazz - Released by BNF Collection on 1 Jan 1960
24-Bit 96.0 kHz - Stereo -
The Complete Recordings: 1959-1962
Jazz - Released by ENLIGHTENMENT on 26 May 2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo