DR - Ben Webster in Denmark (1971) Ben Webster and his Music

Ben Webster was one of the legendary “big three” tenor sax players of jazz history along with Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young. From Ben's early days honing his style in the great bands of Duke Ellington, Bennie Moten and others, to later years following his move to Europe in the 1960s, his playing improved with age as the passion of his Kansas City Swing became enriched with a more mature and tender approach to melody. The legendary swing tenor saxophonist Ben Webster (1909-73) headlines this series of programs originally produced for Danish television during the late 1960s and early 1970s, which depict the musical giant at the very peak of his form. For the first time on DVD four fantastic Ben Webster recordings from the vault of Denmark's Radio. Three concert recordings and the documentary “Big Ben” has only been shown in parts on Denmarks Radio. These unique programmes haven been much asked for by jazzfans all over the world. The first program, entitled 'Big Ben' (1971), presents a documentary overview of Webster's life - one of those rare occasions when he spoke candidly about his career. Three of the programs in question feature Webster in concert, accompanied by a variety of groups including a big band, a large string ensemble, and two musicians that formed a trio with him.

Part 2 Ben Webster and his Music

Taken from Danish television archives, these three rarely seen 1965-69 performances by tenor sax player Ben Webster will prove to be an unforgettable treat for jazzfans. Webster is accompanied on these programs by some of the most talented side men in jazz Kenny Drew and Teddy Wilson on piano, Niels Henning Orsted-Pederson on bass, Charlie Shavers on trumpet, and many more. Among the highlights, Ben displays his ballad side on “Stardust”, “In A Mellowtone” and “Danny Boy”, and stomps out on “Stompy Jones”, “Perdido” and his signature piece “Cotton Tail”.

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