BEN WEBSTER - BEN WEBSTER AND ASSOCIATES (180g IMPORT LP)

If ever there was an LP to study the perfect art of swing tenor sax playing, then this must be it! In the '60s, fans of a rich, full sound coupled with a flowing style must have been thrilled when this LP by Ben Webster and his associates appeared on the market. Leonard Feather called the trio "heavy weights" and their massive sound certainly matches their corpulence. While it is difficult to single out just one of the musicians, it is easy to distinguish them: Ben (called "The Brute") plays with a raspy, vibrating sound; Coleman (known as "The Bear") is a master of flowing swing; and Budd has an earthy, resonant bluesy sound. The five numbers reflect the jam-like spontaneity of the 1959 session; an Ellington classic by the three in a masterful, inspirational new interpretation; three pieces which are intrinsically ad hoc improvisations; and a classical ballad in which Ben Webster breathes warmth and sentiment into his instrument.

Ben Webster Ben Webster And Associates Track Listing
   
1. In a Mellow Tone
2. Young Bean
3. Budd Johnson
4. Time After Time
5. De-Dar