1953: An Exceptional Encounter
Ben Webster · 2001
39 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A rich tapestry of smooth melodies woven through intricate saxophone improvisations and lush jazz arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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You Are Too Beautiful — This track stands out due to its heartfelt interpretation, where Webster's emotive playing elevates the romantic essence of the piece.
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The Nearness of You — Webster’s rendition beautifully captures longing, with nuances in his phrasing that add depth to the well-known melody.
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Billie's Bounce — This lively track showcases Webster's improvisational prowess, blending rhythm and melody in a way that invigorates the standard.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalWebster's expressive saxophone shines through intricate arrangements, blending standards with his unique style.
What we noticed
- The arrangements incorporate lush harmonies and rhythmic complexity, enhancing the depth of the instrumental performances.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- intimate saxophone melodies
- warm evening ambience
- reflective moments of calm
- melodic exploration of standards
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer fast-paced listening
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Ben Webster released this album in 2001, he was well-established as a respected figure in jazz, known for his expressive tenor saxophone. This album showcases his enduring talent during a late-career resurgence, following a period of relative quiet after years of influential work in the 1950s and 60s.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Coleman Hawkins· Lester Young· Stan Getz
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Confirmation 5:25
- 2 You Are Too Beautiful 3:49
- 3 Lady Be Good 5:23
- 4 The Nearness of You 5:36
- 5 Poutin 4:55
- 6 Danny Boy 4:35
- 7 Billie's Bounce 4:25
- 8 Cotton Tail 5:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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