2005 reissue
On 16 October 1957 one of the great studio sessions of the decade took place in Capitol’s famous studios in Hollywood. The brilliant tenor saxophonist, Coleman Hawkins spent much of the day and evening in the studios recording two separate albums with producer, Norman Granz for Verve Records: The Genius Of Coleman Hawkins and Coleman Hawkins Encounters Ben Webster.By the evening Hawk and the other musicians were joined by 48 year old Ben Webster and the result was Coleman Hawkins Encounters Ben Webster, it is a jazz master class. All seven numbers are standards, but this is no mere run through of tried and tested songs, this is exceptional and these are some of the most beautiful versions ever committed to vinyl of these songs.
‘Blues for Yolande’ has the two tenor players battling it out on a shuffle with Hawkins screaming through his horn, while Webster is more plaintive in response. The record includes some of the most beautiful ballad playing of their long and fruitful careers including, ‘It Never Entered My Mind’ and ‘Prisoner of Love’. Hawkins is the gruffer of the two, while Webster floats is such a beguiling way.
‘You’d be So Nice To Come Home To’ swings hard and its almost impossible not to tap your feet while listening, which also shows why Peterson’s trio was so in demand as accompanists, they are ever present, providing the perfect platform for two jazz giants to weave the magic around.
This relaxed, sensitive, masterpiece is full of lyricism and warmth, both features that are to be found all too rarely in modern jazz with the emphasis can be on harmony and complexity. Hawkins & Webster prove that they are masters of their craft and giants of the tenor saxophone.
includes 2 bonus tracks
(602498840368)
SKU | 602498840368 |
Barcode # | 602498840368 |
Brand | Verve Records |
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