AAA 100% Analogue This LP was Remastered using Pure Analogue Components Only from the Master Tapes through to the Cutting Head

Analogue Productions - AVRJ 8274-45 -  200 Gram Virgin Vinyl 

AAA 100% Analogue -Mastered By George Marino at Sterling - 45RPM - Two Disc 

Limited Edition - Pressed at QRP - Verve MG V-8274   

"...these are all truly classic Verve titles that you simply don't want to miss...most importantly, the sound of these reissues is nothing short of astounding. Particularly the early Billie and Ella mono records are incredible treasures of sonic beauty. I'd definitely ask Santa for the whole set, or, if you want to cherry pick, the most classic titles. Whatever you decide, you owe yourself at least a half dozen!" Winner of a 2012 Positive Feedback Online Writers' Choice Award - Danny Kaey

Soulville is quintessential Ben Webster: intimate, tender and endlessly expressive. Webster was internationally recognized as one of jazz's elder statesman when he recorded this album in 1957, but the youthful fire that had marked his playing with the Duke Ellington Orchestra two decades earlier was undiminished. Leading a stellar combo through a program consisting mostly of vintage pop tunes, the great tenor saxophonist is at his absolute peak here.

Mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound & Cut from the Absolute Original Analog Master Tapes! 
Pressed at Quality Record Pressings! 

Ben Webster, wrote the jazz historian J. E. Behrend, "was two men in one; in fast pieces he was a musician with a throaty croaking vibrato, while in slow ones he was a master of erotic and intensive ballads." In this compilation of both his own works and standard numbers with the promising title of Soulville, "Big Ben" shows the gentle and the rougher sides of his nature. No session in which black jazz musicians take part would be worth its salt without a good and honest opening blues number, as the first two tracks on this LP show. 

Soulville is quintessential Ben Webster: intimate, tender, endlessly expressive. Webster was internationally recognized as one of jazz's elder statesman when he recorded this album in 1957, but the youthful fire that had marked his playing with the Duke Ellington Orchestra two decades earlier was undiminished. Leading a stellar combo through a program consisting mostly of vintage pop tunes, the great tenor saxophonist is at his peak. And this reissue includes three rare recordings of Webster on piano, the first instrument he played as a young professional musician.

“Ben Webster”, wrote the jazz historian J. E. Behrend, “was two men in one: in fast pieces he was a musician with a throaty, croaking vibrato, while in slow ones he was a master of erotic and intensive ballades.” In this compilation of both his own works and standard numbers with the promising title of Soulville, “Big Ben” shows the gentle and the rougher sides of his nature.
 
No session in which black jazz musicians take part would be worth its salt without an own good and honest opening blues number, as the first two tracks on this LP go to show. But in the classic hits Lover Come Back To Me and Makin’ Whoopee too, the very heartbeat of the Age of Swing can be easily discerned. And it’s well worth taking a look at the small print on the cover too. Joining the prominent members of the Peterson trio are Herb Ellis and Stan Levey no less! It’s hardly necessary to add that the sound reproduction on this VERVE recording made in the 1950s is of the very highest quality.
 
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.

"...these are all truly classic Verve titles that you simply don't want to miss...most importantly, the sound of these reissues is nothing short of astounding. Particularly the early Billie and Ella mono records are incredible treasures of sonic beauty. I'd definitely ask Santa for the whole set, or, if you want to cherry pick, the most classic titles. Whatever you decide, you owe yourself at least a half dozen!" Winner of a 2012 Positive Feedback Online Writers' Choice Award 

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

Ben Webster Quintet Soulville

1. Soulville
2. Late Date
3. Time on my Hands
4. Lover Come Back to Me
5. Where Are You
6. Makin' Whoopee
7. Ill Wind