DR - Ben Webster in Denmark (1971) Big Ben 1971

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 1 Big Ben 1971

The classic 1971 documentary BIG BEN is highlighted by rare intimate moments with Ben, one of the few times he talked openly about his career. This film from the archives of Danish television show Ben in a variety of settings - with a trio, a big band or playing lushly in front of a large string ensemble.

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