Ben Webster

This release presents some of the most impressive Ben Webster sessions from the fifties, showcasing his romantic side and his full and warm sound on beautiful ballads. On these sides, originally compiled on the 2-LP set Ballads( Verve) he is accompanied here by old friends like Billy Strayhorn, Teddy Wilson and Jimmy Hamilton. The dates also feature Tony Scott, Hank Jones, George Duvivier and Louie Bellson as well as orchestras arranged by Strayhorn and Ralph Burns.

1) CHELSEA BRIDGE 3:57
2) LOVE IS HERE TO STAY 3:24
3) IT HAPPENS TO BE ME 3:23
4) ALL TOO SOON 4:47
5) WILLOW WEEP FOR ME 4:40
6) COME RAIN OR COME SHINE 4:23
7) PRELUDE TO A KISS 4:47
8) DO NOTHIN’ TILL YOU HEAR FROM ME 4:44
9) MY GREATEST MISTAKE 3:37
10) THERE IS NO GREATER LOVE 3:42
11) BLUE MOON 5:06
12) WHAT AM I HERE FOR 3:58
13) WE’LL BE TOGETHER AGAIN 4:32
14) EARLY AUTUMN 4:50
15) UNTIL TONIGHT 4:10
16) TEACH ME TONIGHT 4:03
17) MY FUNNY VALENTINE 3:24
18) SOPHISTICATED LADY 3:05
19) ALMOST LIKE BEING IN LOVE 3:59

TOTAL TIME: 78:40

BEN WEBSTER, tenor sax on all tracks, plus:

1-4 &19: Tony Scott (cl), Billy Strayhorn (p), George Duvivier (b), Louie Bellson (d), plus strings arranged and conducted by Billy Strayhorn. New York, May 28, 1954.

5-8: Jimmy Hamilton (cl), Danny Bank (cl, fl, b-cl), Teddy Wilson (p), Wendell Marshall (b), Louie Bellson (d), plus strings arranged and conducted by Ralph Burns. New York, December 15, 1954.

9-16: Hank Jones (p), Chet Amsterdam, Wendell Marshall (b), Osie Johnson (d), plus wind and string orchestra arranged and conducted by Ralph Burns. New York, September 9, 1955.

17-18: Teddy Wilson (p), Ray Brown (b), Jo Jones (d). New York, March 30, 1954.

See16-page booklet for complete information.