description Ben Webster Overview
Ben Webster was a U.S. tenor saxophonist known for his breathy ballad sound and for his major role in Duke Ellington's orchestra from 1940.
help Ben Webster FAQ
What Ben Webster recordings show his ballad sound?
Soulville and Ben Webster Meets Oscar Peterson are strong examples of Webster's breathy tenor tone on ballads. His sound is especially recognizable in slow tempos, where the air in the note becomes part of the expression.
When did Ben Webster play with Duke Ellington?
Webster became a major soloist in Duke Ellington's orchestra around 1940. His tenor saxophone is part of the classic Ellington sound of that period.
Was Ben Webster only a ballad player?
No. Although his ballads are famous, Webster could play forcefully on blues and medium-tempo swing pieces. His earlier Ellington work shows a much tougher tenor sound.
Did Ben Webster live in Europe later in life?
Yes. Webster spent much of his later career in Europe, especially Copenhagen, after leaving the United States in the 1960s.
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