Ben Webster

DIGIPACK EDITION

THIS IS BEN WEBSTER'S LAST STUDIO RECORDING. LONG TIME UNAVAILABLE

This aptly named set was recorded on November 28, 1972, in Barcelona, Spain. Although many of Ben Webster’s European sessions suffered when compared to his American ones, this outing is one of the exceptions, due in no small part to the fluid piano work of Tete Montoliu. Supported by a rhythm section of Eric Peter on bass and Peer Wyboris on drums, both Webster and Montoliu have plenty of room to breathe, and the result is a wonderful and pleasant set highlighted by the opening track, “Ben’s Blues,” and an easy, elegant version of “Sweet Georgia Brown.” Webster’s trademark breathy tenor sax tone is in full supply here, but the real revelation is Montoliu, who proves to be a marvelous jazz pianist, making Gentle Ben somewhat of an overlooked gem. - All Music Guide (4 Stars)

PERSONNEL:

BEN WEBSTER, sax
TETE MONTOLIU, piano
ERIC PETER, bass
PER WYBORIS, drums

Recorded at casino de L’Aliança del Poble Nou, Barcelona, November 28, 1972

TRACKS:

01. Ben’s Blues
02. The Man I Love
03. My Nephew Bent
04. How Long Has This Been Going On
05. Sweet Georgia Brown
06. Don’t Blame Me
07. Did You Call
08. Barcelona Shout