Ben Webster & The Modern Jazz Quartet - An Exceptional Encounter (1953)


Mp3 320 kbps 




Recorded over two nights at Birdland, this rare meeting of Ben Webster and the Modern Jazz Quartet evidently originated from a radio aircheck. In spite of the fact that the audio balance is somewhat inconsistent, the playing by everyone is exemplary throughout both sessions. 


Webster, whose performances sometimes suffered from his bouts of heavy drinking, seems particularly stimulated by the driving piano of John Lewis and bluesy vibes of Milt Jackson. In addition to the swing standards for which the tenor saxophonist was well known, he tackles Charlie Parker's "Confirmation" and "Billie's Bounce" with equal enthusiasm. 


Other selections include ballad features such as "Danny Boy" and "The Nearness of You," the latter showcasing Webster's rich, big tone. Romps through "Oh Lady Be Good" and "Cotton Tail" (one of many recordings of this Duke Ellington masterpiece that is forever associated with Webster) are a delight. 





Tracklist:




01 Confirmation (Parker) 5:27
02 You Are Too Beautiful (Hart, Rodgers) 3:51
03 Oh Lady Be Good (Gershwin, Gershwin) 5:25
04 The Nearness of You (Carmichael, Washington) 5:38
05 Poutin' (Webster) 4:57
06 Danny Boy (Weatherly) 4:37
07 Billie's Bounce (Parker) 4:27
08 Cotton Tail (Ellington) 5:39




Broadcast from “Birdland”, New York on February 21 (1-5) and 28(6-8), 1953






Ben Webster: tenor sax
Milt Jackson: vibraphone
John Lewis: piano
Percy Heath: bass
Kenny Clarke: drums