[TR24][OF] Ben Webster - Ben Webster Plays Duke Ellington - 2018 (Jazz, Contemporary Jazz)

This album is a collection of classic melodies from the repertoire of Ben Webster’s famous employer of many years, Duke Ellington. The album is compromised of three live radio sessions with the Danish Radio Big Band In 1969 & 1971, plus three live concert sessions with three different backing-trios (Finland in 1967, Denmark in 1969 and Sweden in 1972). Two of the tracks – with Clark Terry, Kenny Drew, Red Mitchell and Bobby Brooks – are previously unissued. Aside from one tune. All the performances with the Danish Radio Big Band are Based on Ellington’s original scores. The quartet sessions are also great, including two “reunions” – one with Ben’s boss from the early 30’s, Teddy Wilson, and the other with fellow Ellington alumnus Clark Terry. That Ben Webster was one of the undisputed jazz-greats on the tenor saxophone- both in a big band and small group context – is amply demonstrated on this fine recordings.
"Although he was only a member of Duke Ellington's Orchestra for three years, tenor-saxophonist Ben Webster was linked with Duke Ellington throughout his career. This 2xHD release features the great tenor playing nine songs associated with Ellington. The music is drawn from five separate sessions including trio gigs with pianists Kenny Drew and Teddy Wilson and three with The Danish Radio Band. The emphasis is on uptempo pieces such as "Perdido," "Rockin' in Rhythm" and "Stompy Jones;" a special highlight are the two very different versions of "Cottontail." (Scott Yanow, AMG)