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Review: Ben Webster and Associates marked the final collaboration between tenor saxophone legends Ben Webster and Coleman Hawkins, with veteran Budd Johnson joining them. The album was originally released in 1959 and featured a lineup including trumpeter Roy Eldridge, guitarist Les Spann, pianist Jimmy Jones, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Jo Jones. It has many timeless standards like 'Time After Time' and Ellington's 'In a Mellow Tone' along with three original Webster compositions, all of which have been transferred from the original analogue tapes and remastered. The album served somewhat as a tribute to Lester Young, a tenor master from the same era who had died under a month before the session.

Review: Ben Webster's At The Renaissance captures a spellbinding live performance recorded at The Renaissance in Hollywood on Oct 14, 1960. This reissue, part of the Contemporary Records Acoustic Sounds Series, celebrates the timeless brilliance of Webster's tenor saxophone artistry. Accompanied by a stellar ensemble including pianist Jimmy Rowles, guitarist Jim Hall, bassist Red Mitchell, and drummer Frank Butler, Webster delivers a captivating set that showcases his superior and creative form. The album's repertoire offers a delightful variety, from the heartfelt rendition of 'Georgia on My Mind' to the infectious energy of 'Ole Miss Blues.' Webster's rich, emotive tone and masterful improvisation shine throughout, cementing his status as one of the founding emperors of the jazz tenor saxophone. This reissue, mastered AAA by Bernie Grundman from the original analogue tapes and pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings, this edition ensures an exceptional listening experience. Presented in a gatefold old-style tip-on jacket by Stoughton Printing, the release pays homage to Webster's legacy with the reverence it deserves.

Review: Ben Webster's See You at the Fair stands as a triumphant farewell to his American recording career before moving to Europe, where his genius would be more appreciated. At the time, Webster was still at the height of his powers, his signature tone both rich and velvety, with an emotional depth that few could match. His interpretation of ballads like 'Someone to Watch Over Me' and 'Over the Rainbow' is breathtaking, as he weaves through these standards with unmatched grace and tenderness, making them definitive versions. The album features a stellar quartet, including post-bop greats Hank Jones on piano and Richard Davis on bass. The opener, 'See You at the Fair', sets an exciting tone with its upbeat blues, showcasing Webster's growling intensity alongside Jones' inventive piano work. On slower tracks like 'Stardust' and Ellington's 'In a Mellow Tone', Webster's lyrical playing creates an intimate, timeless atmosphere, effortlessly capturing the listener's heart. Roger Kellaway, who steps in on the second half of the album, adds a surprising yet delightful twist by playing the harpsichord on a few tracks, including the lively 'Lullaby of Broadway'. What could have been kitschy instead brings a quirky charm, blending seamlessly with Webster's swing. See You at the Fair is a masterclass in tenor saxophone, filled with heartfelt performances that highlight Webster's unique ability to express both joy and melancholy. It's an essential listen, capturing the spirit of a saxophone giant who remains a singular voice in jazz history.

Review: Ben Webster, a titan of tenor saxophone, solidified his legacy through indelible collaborations, notably in Ben Webster Meets Oscar Peterson. This album showcases Webster's affinity for Peterson, his preferred partner at the piano. Part of Verve's Acoustic Sounds Series, it features meticulously remastered analogue tape transfers on high-quality 180-gram vinyl, presented in deluxe gatefold packaging. With tunes like 'Bye Bye Blackbird' and 'How Deep Is The Ocean,' each note resonates with heartfelt emotion, capturing the intimate interplay between two legends of jazz. A definitive collection for any serious audiophile.