Ben Webster, Harry Edison, Johnny Hodges - The Soul of Ben Webster/Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You/Blues a Plenty

This superb two-CD set of master swing musicians at their mature best includes three LPs recorded in 1957 and 1958 under the leadership of Webster, trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, and altoist Johnny Hodges, with Webster's breathy tenor as the common link between them. Each session has its own distinct character: Webster's own is a blowing session that matches him with fellow tenorist Harold Ashby in a program of loose originals; that of Hodges is deeply Ellingtonian, with bravura trumpet from Roy Eldridge and subtle glimpses of Billy Strayhorn's piano. Sprinkled throughout are gems of the jazz ballad art from some of its greatest practitioners, including Webster on Strayhorn's "Chelsea Bridge," Edison on "Gee, Baby, Ain't I Good to You," and Hodges, unique in his ability to make "Satin Doll" eternally, freshly sensuous. --Stuart Broomer Amazon.com

A Real Treasure

I write few reviews, and do so only when I feel I should support someone's music buying decision (whether to buy, or to be warned). In this case, I believe your dollars will be well spent here. Many reviewers will define the performances and/or arrangements of a recording, and I will say it would be hard to find finer than those contained here. But I would like the reader to know that the recording quality and it's final presentation to you on these compact disks is superb. If you're a jazz CD listener, I'm sure that every once and awhile you come across a recording from the 50's and say, "Wow, that sounds like a totally digital recording made today!" That's what you'll find here. Not only will you experience really supreme performances by Webster, Edison and Hodges, but the dynamics of several of the recordings seem to place the listener literally inside their instruments. You can almost see the light of day from within Webster's sax itself, through the opening and closing valves, and feel the moisture of his reed and the pressure of his bite (and I don't play an instrument). The squeezed sounds from the muted trumpet too are so perfect, and it's as if your sharing the studio and sitting right next to these guys. Sometimes I come across a CD or set that I seem to play over and over. This is one of those sets. November 16, 2007

Three Verve Reissues in One Package

How can you go wrong with this 2 CD set that combines three late 1950's Verve recordings by Ben Webster, Harry "Sweets" Edison and Johnny Hodges into one set. Roy Eldridge comes along for the ride as well as a few other notables from the Norman Granz stable. This collection of music includes a lot of swing renditions of classic standards and some blues, and a few ballads. Each leader shines on his respective set, especially Edison who's selection of 8 tunes is heavily swing/blues oriented in a very Basie-esque style. Highly recommended if you're a small ensemble swing fan. September 17, 2000

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