Ben Webster Quintet – Soulville

A TAV Essential Listening Album.

Note: An audiophile 45rpm version of this album is also available here.

Soulville is a 1957 album by swing tenor saxophonist Ben Webster, recording a session from October 15, 1957 which Webster played with the Oscar Peterson Trio.

“The by turns grizzled and vaporous-toned 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.” - AllMusic

Musicians:

• Ben Webster, tenor saxophone
• Ray Brown, bass
• Herb Ellis, guitar
• Stan Levey, drums
• Oscar Peterson, piano

About Ben Webster:

Ben Webster (1909 – 1973), born in Kansas City, Missouri, USA, is considered one of the three most important "swing tenors" along with Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young. Known affectionately as The Brute, or Frog, he had a tough, raspy, and brutal tone on stomps (with growls), yet on ballads he played with warmth and sentiment. Stylistically he was indebted to alto star Johnny Hodges, who, he said, taught him to play his instrument. – Wiki

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