Ben Webster

Tenor saxophonist, occasional pianist and arranger, noted for his improvisational skills and sensitive rhythmic phrasing, especially on ballads. Before he developed his own unique style, Webster was strongly influenced by the legendary Coleman Hawkins. However, he eventually became a stylistic pacesetter himself with the great Duke Ellington orchestra from 1940 to 1943 (and, again, from 1948 to 1949). Famous solos from his tenure with Ellington include the Billy Strayhorn compositions 'Chelsea Bridge' and 'Satin Doll'. In addition to leading the hard-driving solo on Ellington's 'Cotton Tail', Webster also arranged the unison saxophone riffs which imbue the number with a rousing intensity. Webster began his musical career playing stride piano and fronting a group called 'Rooster Ben and His Little Red Hens'. By 1929, he worked as a piano accompanist in a silent picture theatre in Amarillo, Texas. During the 1930's, he was constantly on the move as a sideman in big name bands led by Blanche Calloway (Cab's sister), Bennie Moten (where he played alongside Count Basie), Andy Kirk, Fletcher Henderson, Benny Carter and Teddy Wilson. At this phase of his career, Webster's robust, unrestrained playing had earned him the sobriquet of "The Brute". Exposure to the techniques of alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges (who became his mentor) and to the universe of Ellington's music in general was later to add nuance and subtlety to his playing. After leaving Duke, Webster alternately led and gigged with small groups (mostly in New York and Chicago), did regular studio work and free-lanced as a soloist. In 1949, he was signed by Norman Granz for the Verve label and made prolific recordings for the next eleven years. Seminal albums from this period include 'Ben Webster with Strings' (1955), 'Coleman Hawkins Encounters Ben Webster' (recorded 1957, with Oscar Peterson on piano and Herb Ellis on guitar) and 'The Soul of Ben Webster' (1960). In December 1964, Webster moved to Europe, touring extensively (and to great acclaim) as a solo performer through the Netherlands, Denmark and Great Britain. In 1969, he set up a permanent base in Copenhagen where he lived for the remaining years of his life.