Ben Webster &The Modern Jazz Quartet • 1953 An Exceptional Encounter

 

Review
by Ken Dryden
Recorded over two nights at an unnamed club, this rare meeting of Ben Webster and the Modern Jazz Quartet evidently originated from a radio aircheck. In spite of the fact that the audio balance is somewhat inconsistent, the playing by everyone is exemplary throughout both sessions. Webster, whose performances sometimes suffered from his bouts of heavy drinking, seems particularly stimulated by the driving piano of John Lewis and bluesy vibes of Milt Jackson. In addition to the swing standards for which the tenor saxophonist was well known, he tackles Charlie Parker's "Confirmation" and "Billie's Bounce" with equal enthusiasm. Other selections include ballad features such as "Danny Boy" and "The Nearness of You," the latter showcasing Webster's rich, big tone. Romps through "Oh Lady Be Good" and "Cotton Tail" (one of many recordings of this Duke Ellington masterpiece that is forever associated with Webster) are a delight. Unfortunately, the liner notes concentrate on a biography of Webster and provide no explanation as to how this encounter came about.
https://www.allmusic.com/album/1953-an-exceptional-encounter-mw0000000212

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Reseña
por Ken Dryden
Grabado durante dos noches en un club sin nombre, esta rara reunión de Ben Webster y el Modern Jazz Quartet se originó evidentemente a partir de una emisión de radio. A pesar de que el balance de audio es algo inconsistente, la interpretación de todos es ejemplar a lo largo de ambas sesiones. Webster, cuyas interpretaciones a veces se resentían de sus episodios de consumo excesivo de alcohol, parece especialmente estimulado por el piano de John Lewis y las vibraciones de Milt Jackson. Además de los estándares de swing por los que el saxofonista tenor era bien conocido, aborda "Confirmation" de Charlie Parker y "Billie's Bounce" con igual entusiasmo. Otras selecciones incluyen baladas como "Danny Boy" y "The Nearness of You", esta última mostrando el rico y gran tono de Webster. Los paseos por "Oh Lady Be Good" y "Cotton Tail" (una de las muchas grabaciones de esta obra maestra de Duke Ellington que se asocia para siempre con Webster) son una delicia. Lamentablemente, las notas del disco se centran en una biografía de Webster y no explican cómo se produjo este encuentro.
https://www.allmusic.com/album/1953-an-exceptional-encounter-mw0000000212

Tracks:
1 - Confirmation
Written-By – C. Parker
2 - You Are Too Beautiful
Written-By – Rodgers-Hart
3 - Lady Be Good
Written-By – G. & I. Gershwin
4 - Nearness Of You
Written-By – Carmichael*, Wastin
5 - Poutin'
6 - Danny Boy
Written-By – Trad.
7 - Billie’s Bounce
Written-By [Uncredited] – Bowman
Written-By [Uncredited] – Charlie Parker
8 - Cotton Tail
Written-By – D. Ellington

 

Credits:   
    Bass – Percy Heath
    Drums – Kenny Clarke
    Liner Notes – J.G. Calvados
    Piano – John Lewis
    Tenor Saxophone – Ben Webster
    Vibraphone – Milt Jackson

Recorded February 21 & 23, 1953, in New York.

Label:    The Jazz Factory – JFCD22814, The Jazz Factory – JFCG 22814
Released:    2000
Genre:    Jazz
Style:    Swing, Bop
https://www.discogs.com/release/11889563-Ben-Webster-And-The-Modern-Jazz-Quartet-1953-An-Exceptional-Encounter

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