Ben Webster - Gentle Ben (1973/2012) [DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC]

This recording was made 10 months before Ben Webster's death in 1972. Webster, who had left the United States in 1965 to settle in Europe - first in Copenhagen and then in Amsterdam - was visiting fellow musician and friend Tete Montoliu in Barcelona. Webster and pianist Montoliu went back a ways, having played together regularly in Webster's Copenhagen days. In fact, Montoliu cited Webster and Don Byas as his two chief musical influences. Webster and Montoliu understood each other deeply, and their comfort with on another is palpable in this recording. Their accompaniment of one another is seamless. On board with these two is Montoliu's regular working trio-mates, Eric Peter on bass and Peer Wyboris on drums.

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.

Tracklist:

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

Recorded on November 28, 1972 at Casino De L'Alianca Del Poblenou, Barcelona, Spain.

Musicians:
Ben Webster - tenor saxophone
Tete Montoliu - piano
Eric Peter - bass
Peer Wyboris - drums


Thanks to the Original customer!