Ben Webster - Soulville (Special Edition Yellow Vinyl) - VNL22716

Soulville

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Cat No: VNL22716

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Format Details: Special Edition Yellow Vinyl /

Release Date: 14 March 2025

Label: Waxtime

Packaging Type: Slip Sleeve (CD or Vinyl)

No of Units: 1

Barcode: 8435723700838

Genres: Jazz

Release Date: 14 November 2025

Label: Ermitage

Packaging Type: Slip Sleeve (CD or Vinyl)

No of Units: 1

Barcode: 3770024957167

Genres: Jazz

Description
The complete album - pressed on limited edition 180g vinyl. Tenor saxophonist Ben Webster (1909 - 1973) had already enjoyed a long and fruitful career by the time this 1957 session was recorded. However, as Bob Blumenthal explains in the original liner notes, he still wasn't known for the sensual ballad feeling that became his trademark during the last two decades of his life. At that time, he was still recognized for the hard blowing fast tenor sax style he played with both the Duke Ellington Orchestra and his own multiple small groups.
Even though his repertoire was generally linked to that of Duke Ellington, this classic Norman Granz produced session presents Webster playing four popular ballads and two of his own bluesy compositions, Soulville and Late Date. On hand in support are the incredible Oscar Peterson Trio (Herb Ellis, Ray Brown), and drummer Stan Levey.
"The by turns grizzled and vaporous-toned Webster really hit his stride on the Verve label. 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, Webster gets to the heart of things on five wistful ballads. 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. Newcomers shouldn't hesitate to start here." - ***** Stephen Cook, AllMusic

Description

Recorded in October 15, 1957 at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, California, and produced by Norman Granz, 'Soulville' is considered one of the most important tenor saxophone albums ever made and where the chemistry between Ben Webster and Oscar Peterson's trio is extraordinary. Ben Webster, one of the great swing-era saxophonists, was already a veteran by the time of 'Soulville's 1957 session: he had played with Fletcher Henderson, Benny Carter and Duke Ellington whith him he became especially famous for ballads and where his contribution to Ellington's band (along with that of bassist Jimmy Blanton) was fundamental, so much so that the formation during that period is remembered as the Blanton - Webster band). By the late 1950s, Webster was recording regularly for Verve label, which often paired jazz stars with the Oscar Peterson Trio. On 'Soulville' the entire ensemble, especially Oscar Peterson, holds back flashy soloing in favor of refined and supportive interplay even if the Oscar Peterson Trio (Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, Herb Ellis) was known for virtuosity and sometimes flashy interplay.
Here they hold back-offering subtle comping and leaving large space for the saxophone. Peterson's restraint is particularly notable: instead of dazzling runs, he creates sparse, sensitive accompaniments that let Webster's glow. 'Soulville' is today widely considered one of the most successful collaborations between Webster and Peterson, a celebrated model of emotional storytelling and tonal warmth, especially influential among swing-era aficionados and tone purists that make it a timeless album.
Tracklisting
Tracklisting