Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Ben Webster: Cotton Tail

217

Ben Webster: Cotton Tail

By

Sign in to view read count
Ben Webster: Cotton Tail
RCA Victor recorded Ben Webster frequently during the 1930s and '40s, but not as a leader. The breathy tenor sax giant is heard strictly as a sidemen on this gem-laden collection (which spans 1932-1946), and he's in some first- class company. More than half of the disc's 22 recordings find him in Duke Ellington's employ, while the others illustrate the fact that Webster also did some excellent work with Lionel Hampton, Benny Moten, Benny Carter and Rex Stewart. Webster shows how intensely he could swing on "Cotton Tail" and "Raincheck" with Ellington and "Toby" and "Lafayette" with Moten. But when Webster gets sentimental with The Duke on "My Greatest Mistake," "Chelsea Bride" and lovely "All Too Soon," we're reminded that none could play ballads more charismatically. Indeed, Cotton Tail 's ballads show us the real meaning of "smooth jazz"—and it ain't Dave Koz or Kenny G.

Cotton Tail is essential listening. Period.



Reprinted with the permission of Myrna Daniels and L.A. Jazz Scene , the largest jazz publication in Southern California.

Personnel

Ben Webster
saxophone, tenor

Album information

Title: Cotton Tail | Year Released: 1998 | Record Label: RCA Victor

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.