Ben Webster – Stardust (2LPs, 45RPM, 2xHD)

The new and rare collection of tracks on this album is a thoughtfully chosen compilation from Ben Webster’s European period (1964-1970). The offer to play for a month at Ronnie Scott’s Club in London in late ’64, marks a turn in Ben Webster’s career as he settled in Northern Europe, where he spent the rest of his life. Even if his body declined during his last years, his playing never did. To the last day, Webster played with passion and intensity and his ballad playing became even more beautiful and tender, simplified almost to the laconic and delivered with weight on every note. Webster was one of the unique jazz musicians whose presence came through on every recording. The tracks in this album present a window to that very important period in Webster’s career. Mastered by Rene Laflamme from the original 15 ips tapes, on all tube equipment. Tracklist:Side AStardust – H. CarmichaelCry Me A River – A. HamiltonSide BWillow Weep For Me – A. RonellOld Folks – Robinson, HillSide CGoing Home – Traditional arrangement N. J. SteenCottontail – D. Ellington, arrangement N. J. SteenCome Sunday – D. Ellington, arrangement Ray PittsSide DOur Blues – B. Schaerff, B. WebsterSonday – J. Styne, B. Krueger.