Duke’s Sidemen : Ben Webster

Ben Webster was his own man (bigger than life) but I love the Ellington connection. Webster was a big part of the Ellington band for years. The clip below is a reunion of the two. Webster had been on his own for years playing with his units but they hooked up here for some old magic. A lot of miles and years on both guys at this time but listen to the sound coming out of that horn. Duke gives the tune just the right accompaniment. Ellington and the band add subtle touches.

Part of the charm is in Ellington’s intro “we have a friend visiting us tonight” and then you see in the clip a tieless Paul Gonsalves enjoying all the bullshit. I get a little emotional watching these guys getting back together and putting differences aside and just playing some of the best music I’ve heard. No one does it better on the tenor than Ben. He had a great sound. He’s past his prime here but he still has great chops. It’s a slower tune but it still swings in a subtle way. Man does it send me. I can listen to that all day long and night time too. Sax Heaven.

Ben Webster. One of Dukes greatest sidemen. The stories he could tell