Ben Webster & "Sweets" Edison – Wanted To Do One Together (2LP, 45RPM, Number 00689, Unsealed)
Rarity - Unsealed (mint conditions)
Side D is a repeat of side A
Ben Webster - tenor sax [click here to see more vinyl featuring Ben Webster]
"Sweets" Edison - trumpet [click here to see more vinyl featuring Harry Sweets Edison]
Hank Jones - piano [click here to see more vinyl featuring Hank Jones]
George Duvivier - bass [click here to see more vinyl featuring George Duvivier]
Clarence Johnson – drums
Written by Ben Webster (A1, C1, D1), Ira & George Gershwin (A2, C2, D2), Harry. Edison (B1), Lorenz Hart (B2), Richard Rodgers (B2)
2 LPs, Gatefold Jacket
Limited to 2,500 numbered copies (Number 00689)
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : black
Speed : 45 RPM
Size : 12'’
Stereo
Studio
Record Press : Record Technology Incorporated (RTI)
Label : Original Recordings Group (ORG)
Original Label : Columbia
Recorded June 6 & 7, 1962 at Columbia 30th Street Studio, New York City
Produced by Mike Berniker
Mastered by Bernie Grundman at Bernie Grundman Mastering
Originally released in September 1962
Reissued in 2012
Tracks:
Side A:
- Better Go
- How Long Has This Been Going On
Side B:
- Kitty
- My Romance
Side C:
- Did You Call Her Today
- Embraceable You
Side D:
- Better Go
- How Long Has This Been Going On
Reviews:
“The great trumpet player and the older saxist with the totally unique sound had recorded together before and wanted to get together again. This 1962 session was the superb result. Now for the first time we can hear it almost like we were there in the Columbia Studios with the jazzmen, in these fantastic remasterings by Bernie Grundman from the original Columbia analog master tapes. Only 2500 of the limited edition double-disc set have been pressed at RTI (this one is No. 01286.) Even with the wide spread of the 45 rpm grooves, only three vinyl sides were required, so the fourth side just repeats the first two tracks again. So if you ever wear out the first side repeatedly demonstrating some of the best jazz ever played and recorded in some of the ultimate sonics, you will have a clean fourth side to then go on to.
The liner notes are by somebody named Billy James, and I do wish Billy would have been aware that writing entirely in capitals is terribly hard on the eyes. The differing styles and instruments of the two giant performers complement one another perfectly. The rich and deep tone of Ben Webster’s sax makes every ballad he plays sound like the only version of that tune we should ever pay attention to. There’s something so right and yet so identifiable about his sound, and due to the extended fidelity possible at the 45 rpm speed, his sound is cleaner and with more presence than any other recording format. I thought it very interesting that the liner notes refer to his unique breathiness being as inseparable from his special sound as are “the gravel tones of a Lotte Lenya.” (Of course that was 1962 and such a reference probably wouldn’t be made today.)
Edison’s solos may be a bit more modern-sounding and acrobatic, but next to a trumpeter like Miles Davis he sounds much more in the Ben Webster bag. His closer, using the Harmon mute on his solo trumpet, makes “Embraceable You” a super classic on the spot. The top-flight rhythm section is no slouch either, with pianist Hank Jones especially supporting both horn men in the most creative fashion imaginable. One doesn’t mind a bit the more-frequent up-and-down required for 45 rpm discs when the playing and the sonics are at this heavenly level!” John Sunier, Audiophile Audition, May 2013
“Tenor saxophonist Ben Webster and trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison, both veterans of the swing era (although associated with different orchestras), had long wanted to record a full album together. The results, a swinging quintet set with pianist Hank Jones, bassist George Duvivier, and drummer Clarence Johnston, are quite rewarding. There are two ballad features for the tenor ("How Long Has This Been Going On" and a beautiful version of "My Romance") and one for Edison ("Embraceable You"), along with three medium-tempo collaborations. Nothing unexpected occurs but the melodic music is quite enjoyable.” AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow
Ratings :
AllMusic : 4 / 5 , Discogs : 4,52 / 5