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Amazon.co.uk Review
It was the critic Leonard Feather who dubbed Ben Webster "the Clark Gable of the tenor saxophone, at once a brute and a hero". The opening two tracks of this 1953 vintage recording proves the point with a breathy, caressing "Tenderly" followed by an up-tempo "Jive At Six" with Webster sinking his teeth into the reed to produce an urgent, gutsy sound. The album couples the first two sessions Webster did for Verve producer Norman Granz, who made sure that the tenor saxophonist had colleagues of an equal stature. On all 11 tracks Webster is backed by the Oscar Peterson Trio plus a drummer and on five of them he is joined by Harry Edison and Benny Carter for some excellent mainstream jazz. The album contains the previously unissued minor key blues "Poutin'" and two takes each of "Bounce Blues" and a gorgeous ballad, "That's All". Webster was a unique player who had complete control of the tenor and was capable of bringing his sound down to a whisper and then allowing it to die away leaving just a vibrating column of air in the instrument. This album demonstrates the artistry of a true giant at peak form. --Steve Voce
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Whilst I knew of Ben Webster, he had never really impinged on my conscousness until I heard this CD and now I'm a fan. Here he is playing with two groups one the ubiquitous Oscar Peterson Trio (in the days of Barney Kessel) and the other with Harry Edison, Benny Carter and the Oscar Peterson Trio (in the days of Herb Ellis) under the guidance of Morman Granz. I now realise that there is little else one could ask for to show case this exceptional tenor saxophonist.If you have got it you know what I'm talking about, if not get it.
1 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I must admit that I don't believe that there is another tenor sax player who can play the sweet mellow sounds of a ballad better than Ben Webster. Some people might dispute that Ben should be called King of the tenors, but I would think that would be because they have another artist they favour more.
This CD, King of tenors, is a good mixture of tracks, played with his great ability to comfort his listeners with soft comforting sounds and excite them with his drive and verve. But most of all because his music comes straight from the heart, Ben does not set out to confuse the listener, but to make them feel safe and warm within the sound of the "King of Instruments"
A most admirable recording and a must for serious collectors, I would reccommend purchasing this CD as the star of your collection.
It should be said that Ben Webster is ranked among the top seven jazz tenor saxophonists of all time. Artists like John Coltrane, Lester young, Coleman Hawkins, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins and Stan Getz.
I guess that this is the height that all saxophonists aspire to. Some will get there some won't.
This CD, King of tenors, is a good mixture of tracks, played with his great ability to comfort his listeners with soft comforting sounds and excite them with his drive and verve. But most of all because his music comes straight from the heart, Ben does not set out to confuse the listener, but to make them feel safe and warm within the sound of the "King of Instruments"
A most admirable recording and a must for serious collectors, I would reccommend purchasing this CD as the star of your collection.
It should be said that Ben Webster is ranked among the top seven jazz tenor saxophonists of all time. Artists like John Coltrane, Lester young, Coleman Hawkins, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins and Stan Getz.
I guess that this is the height that all saxophonists aspire to. Some will get there some won't.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
9 reviews
24 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Title won, title proved -- Yes, the KING !
16 May 2005
Format:Audio CD
A lot of words aren't needed to describe Ben Webster... maybe three at best - - SOULFUL, SWINGING and VERSATILE. - - While players to follow put more emphasis on melodic, harmonic and rhythmic explorations, Ben Webster's trademark was his tonal mastery and expressiveness on his instrument... he was one of the few players who was able to change his tone according to what he wanted to say... he could play lush, sweet, mellow and breathy on one tune... then go full honker style in another... for this reason, this CD, which definitely showcases a wide scope of elements representing his unique virtuosity is a great listen.
THAT'S ALL, of course can be described as a monumentous moment in Jazz... I can only pray more young tenor hot head will get their hands on this album and remember one thing... WARMTH, feeling and expressiveness are what its really about, not the continuity of notes one is able to play in a single riff. Webster was profound, both melodically and expressively, hence its almost impossible not to listen to this CD repeatedly with awe and respect !
THAT'S ALL, of course can be described as a monumentous moment in Jazz... I can only pray more young tenor hot head will get their hands on this album and remember one thing... WARMTH, feeling and expressiveness are what its really about, not the continuity of notes one is able to play in a single riff. Webster was profound, both melodically and expressively, hence its almost impossible not to listen to this CD repeatedly with awe and respect !
24 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Great CD but.....
19 Aug 2004
Format:Audio CD
Great early 50's BW. Great line-up: Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, Barney Kessel, Herb Ellis, Benny Carter show up on this CD. Recorded in NYC (Fulton St) and LA (Radio Recorders). This CD has 11 cuts on it. BW's Bounce Blues has all but two of these cuts (Poutin's and a shorter version of That's All) plus six additional cuts. The audio quality seems the same - so Bounce Blues is the better value. To confuse the issue even more - a new release (Complete 1953 Leader Studio Sessios) has all the cuts that are on King of the Tenors plus four more cuts recorded in NYC in 1953.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Stunning
29 Sep 1999
Format:Audio CD
Very few records gives me sheer goose pimples and make feel completely at ease. This is one of those very few. Takes like "Danny Boy" and "That's all" are simply outstanding. You can really feel Websters presence, it's as if his breathy blowing gently strokes you, it's that near.
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