About

“The two jazz giants Ben Webster and Harry "Sweets" Edison had long wanted to record an album together, and in 1962 it came to fruition with excellent accompaniment from Hank Jones (piano), George Duvivier (bass) and Clarence Johnston (drums). Although associated with two different orchestras (Edison/Basie and Webster/Ellington), these two swing kings found that they indeed had a lot in common! For evidence of this classic pairing look no further than these sides!

This album features both horn men on three medium tempo blues numbers "Better Go," "Kitty," and "Did You Call Her Today." In addition, Webster gets two tenor features, contributing absolutely luscious solos on both "How Long Has This Been Going On" and "My Romance." After listening to these songs, there can be no doubt that Webster is one of the best balladeers jazz has ever produced.

Edison also gets his moment in the sun as well on the album closer which finds Sweets playing a wonderful, even fairly modern sounding, rendition of "Embraceable You" using a Harmon mute. The ballads, enhanced by the wonderful harmonic sense of pianist Hank Jones, are the highlight of this release, and show both Webster and Sweets' unbeatable melodic sense.

Ben Webster was considered to be on of the three most important 'swing tenors' along with Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young. Known by some as "The Brute," he had a tough, raspy and brutal tone on stomps but could deliver warmth and sentiment on softer ballads.

Trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison spent his early childhood in Kentucky where he was introduced to music by his uncle. After moving back to his hometown of Columbus, Ohio at the age of 12, he began playing the trumpet with local bands, eventually landing a spot with the Count Basie Orchestra.

Mastered by Bernie Grundman from the original analog master tapes and pressed at RTI. Numbered deluxe laminated double gatefold jackets. Only 2500 numbered limited edition copies worldwide.” - Press Release

Musicians:

• Ben Webster, tenor sax
• "Sweets" Edison, trumpet
• Hank Jones, piano
• George Duvivier, bass
• Clarence Johnson, drums

Item description: