On the 16th of October 1957, Coleman Hawkins (aged 52) and Ben Webster (48) were shut away in Hollywood’s legendary Capitol studios putting together, under the guidance of Verve producer Norman Granz, an album that would go on to be an absolute classic. With Lester Young, these two tenor saxophone giants were then considered unmatchable in their skill with the instrument as confirmed in this session in which four other musicians lend their expertise: pianist Oscar Peterson, guitarist Herb Ellis, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Alvin Stoller. The respect is tangible between these two “big sound” saxophonists as they deliver a warm and often lyrical performance like never before. From Hawk’s opening Blues For Yolande a classy and classical tone is present. Nothing stands in the way of the musicians’ faultless tango as their instruments expertly yowl and stretch the tenor to its limits. The ballads are an achievement as heard on It Never Entered My Mind and Prisoner of Love. Published two years later in November 1959, Coleman Hawkins Encounters Ben Webster would doubtless make up one of the pillars of any ideal jazz nightclub worthy of the name.
.gif)
.gif)