Ben Webster Plays Duke Ellington (Remastered) (2018) [FLAC 24bit/192kHz]

For many people Ben Webster is indelibly linked with the name of Duke Ellington. Ben had a long and distinguished career, of which his work with Duke was only a small part, but the crucial exposure just as he reached musical maturity was given by Ellington, and that maturity was hastened by the challenge of playing with Ellington. Yet he also gave a lot to the band and to the continuing Ellington tradition.

In other words, he created the role of the tenor saxophone with Duke. Before he joined for his longest stay (in January 1940), there had been no expectation of significant tenor contributions – despite Ben’s previous brief encounters in 1935 and 1936. But, in far less time than the 3 ½ years he remained, Ben had made the tenor an Ellingtonian voice almost as strong as Johnny Hodges and Harry Carney on alto and baritone. His departure left a huge hole in Duke’s music, which was filled by a series of heavyweight soloists including Al Sears, Jimmy Forrest, Don Byas, Ben again, and the great Paul Gonsalves.

“Although he was only a member of Duke Ellington’s Orchestra for three years, tenor-saxophonist Ben Webster was linked with Duke Ellington throughout his career. This 2xHD release features the great tenor playing nine songs associated with Ellington. The music is drawn from five separate sessions including trio gigs with pianists Kenny Drew and Teddy Wilson and three with The Danish Radio Band. The emphasis is on uptempo pieces such as “Perdido,” “Rockin’ in Rhythm” and “Stompy Jones;” a special highlight are the two very different versions of “Cottontail.” (Scott Yanow, AMG)

Tracklist:
1. Perdido 08:39
2. Johnny Come Lately 04:47
3. In a Mellow Tone 06:58
4. Cottontail 04:56
5. Rockin’ Rhythm: Rockin’ in Rhythm 05:39
6. Things Ain’t What They Used to Be 03:05
7. Stompy Jones 05:34
8. Cottontail (2) 03:19
9. Bojangles 04:2

Personnel:
Ben Webster, tenor saxophone
Clark Terry, trumpet
Allan Botschinsky, trumpet
Palle Mikkelborg, trumpet
Kenny Drew, piano
Teddy Wilson, piano
Ole Koch Hansen, piano
Niels Jørgen Steen, piano
Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, double bass
Red Mitchell, double bass
Hugo Rasmussen, double bass
Al Heath, drums
Makaya Ntsoko, drums
Bjarne Rostvold, drums
William Schiøpffe, drums
Bobby Brooks, drums