Ben Webster Wayfaring Webster [EU RSD 2023 Ltd] [Vinyl]

• Record Store Day Black Friday 2023 (UK & EUROPE) exclusive release
• Limited 180g Deluxe DOUBLE Vinyl Edition (1000 copies) with obi strip
• Rare unearthed Dutch recordings from 1970
• FIRST TIME ON VINYL
• Featuring an all-star line-up

Tenor saxophonist Ben Webster (born Kansas City, 1909) needs little introduction, Webster is regarded as one of the three foremost swing era tenor saxophonists – the two others being Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young. His ballad playing and sound inspired such later fellow saxophonists as Archie Shepp, Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane. Webster became famous for his unique sound, quick tempos, his solos that contained great virile rhythmic momentum, a rasping timbre and an almost brutal aggressiveness filled with growl, while his ballad playing was breathy, tender and sensual.

The list of his collaborations is long, Ben Webster worked, recorded and played with legends from the likes of Art Tatum, Count Basie, Cab Calloway, Roy Eldridge and Dexter Gordon…but a dream came true when he was offered a permanent job in Duke Ellington’s orchestra where his personal style matured. Webster stayed with Ellington until 1943, after which he formed his own groups and played with other small ensembles. From 1952 on he spent his time between Los Angeles and New York playing, freelancing and recording with a variety of soloists, among them high-profile singers like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Carmen McRae and Frank Sinatra.

• Released: 11/23/2023
• Format: Vinyl
• Label: Tidal Waves Music