Ben Webster - Jazz 'Round Midnight 1957 (Reissue 1993)

Ben Webster is probably best known for his eloquent ballad playing. On JAZZ 'ROUND MIDNIGHT, we are treated to no less than 15 ballads, all of which are performed superbly. Webster is one of the great jazz romantics, and his sultry ballad style stirs the heart and soul with every phrase. It's not just the way he caresses each note, or the thick airy sound he gets on his tenor sax; it's the lyrical, almost voice-like character of his playing that makes all of these songs so memorable. Backed by such notables as Oscar Peterson and Ray Brown, Webster's renditions of "You're Getting To Be a Habit With Me," "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning," "We'll Be Together Again," and others, sparkle with vitality, romance, and warmth. Finally, Webster's idol, Coleman Hawkins, sits in on "Prisoner of Love" making this CD sparkle even that much more. One of the great jazz ballad albums, JAZZ 'ROUND MIDNIGHT is a must for any candlelight dinner.

Tracklist:

01. In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning
02. Time On My Hands
03. Early Autumn
04. Prisoner Of Love
05. When I Fall In Love
06. Willow Weep For Me
07. Prelude To A Kiss
08. Chelsea Bridge
09. My Funny Valentine
10. You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me
11. Where Are You
12. Ill Wind
13. All Too Soon
14. Tenderly
15. We'll Be Together Again