Ben Webster

Bobby G · May 30, 2006

Yes, I'm on an 'accessible players' tip today - Ben Webster is another fairly mainstream player (Oscar Peterson, Gerry Mulligan etc.) and I don't know anyone else who sounds like him - a very breathy style, sometimes his notes tail off on nothing more than air vibrato through the horn, and many of his phrases start with big bending rising notes. Sometimes he'll get a Bit of a growl in there, too,for a bit of edge and dynamics. Another lyrical, yet deceptively inventive player who can make the jazz-curious lend a closer ear.

griff136 · May 31, 2006

I just love that tone and sound that ben webster produces.

Jules · Feb 11, 2008

I've heard reference to an album of Ben Webster playing with a guitar led R&B band... anyone know this CD? It was mentioned on the sleeve notes of one of his 'best of' discs which talks about his tone working in different contexts from Big band, string backing through to electric R&B (it was with some 'known' blues guitarist- Pee Wee Crayton or someone like that). Any leads....?

Saxlicker · Feb 11, 2008

Could you let me know if you find it?

A hero of mine from day one in my saxworld but due to the short amount of time I get to pick up the horn his style never really gets much experimentation in my playing. it used to when there was only me and my horn.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=rQVVLAO-9LU

This clip was posted else where but....
not only is it played like only Ben can, just feel the emotion in those riffs after the tears roll down his cheeks (about 5.20 in) through to the end.
I beleive he had recently recieved news that Johnny Hodges had died.