Album Notes: Tenor saxophonist Ben Webster was one of the most distinctive stylists in jazz history. A graduate of the Coleman Hawkins school, Webster upped the ante by having the biggest, breathiest, and most romantic sound around. In the early 1960's, Webster moved to Scandinavia where work (and respect) were more plentiful, and remained there until his death. The eight-CD DIG BEN box collects the cream of a considerably large crop of Webster's European sides. There are lots of Duke Ellington classics (Webster was a member of Duke's early '40's orchestra), pages from the Great American Songbook ("Our Love Is Here To Stay," "Avalon"), and bebop ("Night In Tunisia"). His accompanists include many Brit and European greats (Stan Tracey, Alex Riel) as well as Americans (Mel Lewis, Clark Terry). Devotees of Webster and/or classic jazz will be in orbit over this set.
Album Reviews: Down Beat (p.78) - 4.5 stars out of 5 -- "He reveals the deep creative energies to which such close friends as Hinton and Rex Stewart referred when reminiscing about Webster's curiosity and keen musical intelligence..."
Advantages: Great band Disadvantages: Not enough coverage
...I hope British radio and television discover Ben Folds Five soon. I'm a big fan but have never heard their songs on national radio and have only ever seen a couple of their video's on the sky digital channel MTV2.
Not only do they have catchy tunes but their songs also have great and often very funny lyrics. They are also unique in that they are a three piece, with the main sound coming from Ben Folds' piano.
I'm sure that if they got more coverage they would be as big in Britain as bands like Blur, Pulp and Supergrass....
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
helpful 29.06.2000
The Best of Ben Review ofLive From Mars - Ben Harperby
missjosephine25
Advantages: Classic Ben Harper with a choice of chilled out or rockin'! Disadvantages: The all-paper sleeve is a bit flimsy
...This live double album is the best Ben Harper album ever...and Ben fans will know that there is some stiff competition!
Anyone who has ever seen Ben Harper in concert will know that he is a spectacular and spellbinging live artist. This album captures the live experience brilliantly and would also be the perfect introduction to Ben Harper for those who are new to his music.
This all-live album is spread over two discs - one of which showcases the band's funky rock sound and an acoustic album that lets Ben's smooth, beautiful voice shine through. The album features great renditions of all his classic tracks, including 'Excuse Me Mr', 'Steal my Kisses' and 'Another Lonely Day'... and many, many more. The album also features two brillant covers, a soulful version of the Marvin Gaye song, 'Sexual Healing' and a mellow take on the Verve...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: Unbelievably catchy and the best Disadvantages: Not enough ballads
...This is without doubt the best of Ben Folds' work. Whilst his later solo work may be more poignant and reflective, this album is just pure powerpop brilliance!
So many of the songs are not only upbeat, but unbelievably catchy and masterpieces in their own right. 'One Angry Dwarf...' is cool, funny and unique.
There is also the classic 'Brick'. Although its quite sad, is very touching and you're guarenteed to be humming it for weeks.
Mr Folds has never seemed to have made a bad record, but this is the epitomy of Ben-ness! A perfect starter album for a Ben fan and just great feel-good music
The only criticism is that 'Evaporated' is far too short for such an exquisite song, but it shows that Ben knows when to stop and never puts material out for the sake of it....
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
somewhat helpful 30.11.2006
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