Ben Webster | Soulville

AllMusic Review by Stephen Cook  [-]

The by turns grizzled and vaporous-toned Webster really hit his stride on the Verve label. During a stretch from roughly 1953-1959, the Ellington alumnus showcased his supreme playing with both combos and string sections, swingers and ballads -- and lurking beneath his blustery and hulking sound were solo lines brimming with sophistication and wit. This 1957 date with the Oscar Peterson Trio is one of the highlights of that golden '50s run. After starting off with two bluesy originals -- the slow burning title track and gutsy "Late Date" -- Webster gets to the heart of things on five wistful ballads: Here, his exquisitely sly "Makin' Whoopee" is only outdone by an incredibly nuanced "Where Are You." Providing sympathetic counterpoint, Peterson forgoes his usual pyrotechnics for some leisurely compact solos; his cohorts -- guitarist Herb Ellis, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Stan Levey -- are equally assured and splendid. And ending the set with flair, Webster takes over the piano for three somewhat middling yet still impressive stride and boogie-woogie-styled numbers (these are his only piano recordings). Newcomers shouldn't hesitate to start here.

Ben Webster tenor saxophone, piano
Ray Brown bass
Herb Ellis guitar
Stan Levey drums
Oscar Peterson piano
 

01. "Soulville" – 00:00
02. "Late Date" – 08:04
03. "Time on My Hands" – 15:20
04. "Lover, Come Back to Me" – 19:40
05. "Where Are You?" – 28:10
06. "Makin' Whoopee" – 32:54
07. "Ill Wind – 37:27
08. "Who?" – 41:05
09. "Boogie Woogie" – 44:04
10. "Roses of Picardy" – 47:14
 

Recorded - October 15, 1957