I love Ben Webster. In the conversation about the founding of jazz tenor sax, Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young are always mentioned. Ben Webster is often overlooked. For me, he’s the one I go to first when I’m in the mood to go back to that era. Thanks for extolling him in this loving and descriptive way.
I first heard Ben’s version many decades ago, and it clung to me, as it did anyone who heard it. He was, of course, one of Ellington’s (and Strayhorn’s) great interpreters-Chelsea Bridge is another shimmering example..
Beautifully framed, Brett, the power of music to muse and to move..
Bret, you exceed yourself. Not only a journalist; you are a philosopher and an historian. This is so eloquent, it leads into both versions of this gorgeous song. Lately I've been paying attention to Coleman Hawkins. This, of course, leads me down the same pathway towards tenor players of that era. . When I was twelve-ish I had a best friend whose parents owned huge libraries of jazz material. It was an amazing opportunity! My friend played tenor. He went pro and lives in Vegas. HERE: i can pick out the lineaments of this song on my piano.
I love anything and everything Ellington. Like his meeting with the Queen I had a brief and accidental private meeting with royalty when I was 14. Duke Ellington. The most elegant, eloquent, gracious, generous and thoughtful of human beings. I have always and always will, “Love him madly”..
Wonderful piece. Attention to this tune and to Frog’s “See You At The Fair” is a blessing. You are one step closer to heaven. Stay healthy and strong you’ve got a hike ahead.
I love that story about Duke Ellignton writing that personal tune for the queen of england and putting it on a gold record. I really find that touching!
I love Ben Webster. In the conversation about the founding of jazz tenor sax, Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young are always mentioned. Ben Webster is often overlooked. For me, he’s the one I go to first when I’m in the mood to go back to that era. Thanks for extolling him in this loving and descriptive way.
Thats exactly how I feel...I listen to all the other Greats but eventually end up in Ben's den when I want that feeling only he provides
I first heard Ben’s version many decades ago, and it clung to me, as it did anyone who heard it. He was, of course, one of Ellington’s (and Strayhorn’s) great interpreters-Chelsea Bridge is another shimmering example..
Beautifully framed, Brett, the power of music to muse and to move..
Great writing, Bret.
Bret, you exceed yourself. Not only a journalist; you are a philosopher and an historian. This is so eloquent, it leads into both versions of this gorgeous song. Lately I've been paying attention to Coleman Hawkins. This, of course, leads me down the same pathway towards tenor players of that era. . When I was twelve-ish I had a best friend whose parents owned huge libraries of jazz material. It was an amazing opportunity! My friend played tenor. He went pro and lives in Vegas. HERE: i can pick out the lineaments of this song on my piano.
I love anything and everything Ellington. Like his meeting with the Queen I had a brief and accidental private meeting with royalty when I was 14. Duke Ellington. The most elegant, eloquent, gracious, generous and thoughtful of human beings. I have always and always will, “Love him madly”..
Beautiful writing about beautiful playing
Wonderful piece. Attention to this tune and to Frog’s “See You At The Fair” is a blessing. You are one step closer to heaven. Stay healthy and strong you’ve got a hike ahead.
I love that story about Duke Ellignton writing that personal tune for the queen of england and putting it on a gold record. I really find that touching!