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The by turns grizzled and vaporous-toned Ben Webster really hit his stride on the Verve label. During a stretch from roughly 1953-1959, the Ellington alumnus showcased his supreme playing with both combos and string sections, swingers and ballads -- and lurking beneath his blustery and hulking sound were solo lines brimming with sophistication and wit. This 1957 date with the Oscar Peterson Trio is one of the highlights of that golden '50s run. After starting off with two bluesy originals -- the slow burning title track and the gutsy "Late Date" -- Webster gets to the heart of things on five wistful ballads: Here, his exquisitely sly "Makin' Whoopee" is only outdone by an incredibly nuanced "Where Are You." Providing sympathetic counterpoint, Peterson forgoes his usual pyrotechnics for some leisurely compact solos; his cohorts -- guitarist Herb Ellis, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Stan Levey -- are equally assured and splendid. And ending the set with flair, Webster takes over the piano for three somewhat middling yet still impressive stride and boogie-woogie-styled numbers (these are his only piano recordings). Newcomers shouldn't hesitate to start here. [In addition to the three bonus tracks included with the original CD pressing, Verve's 2003 reissue featured new liner notes and photographs, updated cover art, and a 24-bit remaster.] ~ Stephen Cook, All Music Guide
more albums by this artist
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- Verve Jazz Masters 43
- Released 1995
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- See You At The Fair
- Released 1964
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- Soulville
- Released 1957
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- Dig Ben
- Released 2007
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