SHAZAM

The U.K.'s Proper label uses its usual compilation magic to assemble this box of material by the late great tenorman Ben Webster. Webster, who came into his own late in life, was a survivor and artisan from many of jazz's great historic periods, and this four-disc set is a fine documentary source. Webster's early career placed him in some of the music's greatest orchestras including those of Bennie Moten, Fletcher Henderson, Jack Teagarden, Blanche Calloway, Big Sid Catlett, Teddy Wilson, and of course Duke Ellington's premier bands. There are also a number of sides showcasing Webster as a leader of both quartets, quintets, and orchestras under his own name, as well as some of his sides working with Johnny Otis and Jay McShann. There are 94 cuts in all. The only sad part of this is that Webster's brilliant Ben Webster for Lovers And Soulville recordings for Norman Granz's Verve label are not represented here because they fall outside Big Ben's 20 year time frame (1931-1951). Nonetheless, this is a highly recommended offering for its sound, the breadth and depth of its reach into his catalog, including a side with Woody Herman, and a fine essay booklet as well. And all of this for a bargain price. Highly recommended. ~ Thom Jurek, Rovi