King Of The Tenors stands as one of the definitive statements of Ben Webster’s career—a portrait of the saxophonist in full command of his expressive range, surrounded by collaborators of rare depth. Recorded in Los Angeles and New York in 1953 under Norman Granz’s direction, the album pairs Webster’s earthily romantic lyricism and bluesy drive with inspired support: the Oscar Peterson Trio’s swing, Benny Carter’s eloquent alto sax, and Harry “Sweets” Edison’s buoyant trumpet. This lineup animates a set that moves nimbly from poised ballads—“Tenderly,” “That’s All,” “Danny Boy”—to studio knockabout with tunes like “Jive at Six,” and hard-driving group improvisation on classics such as “Cottontail” and Webster’s own “Bounce Blues.”
The session’s lasting power lies in its balance of subtlety and force: Webster’s tone is at once brawny and tender, capable of caressing a melody as in “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” or launching into bursts of energetic swing. The personnel—Oscar Peterson on piano, Ray Brown on bass, and a split of Barney Kessel and Herb Ellis on guitar, with Alvin Stoller/J.C. Heard on drums—complement Webster’s every move, creating music that feels spontaneous yet deeply assured. Each track becomes a miniature lesson in phrasing and ensemble color, with the guest horn section enlivening select pieces without overshadowing the leader’s distinct voice.
Critically, King Of The Tenors has been widely praised for its “freshness and vitality,” securing top reviews from jazz guides and critics alike. The Penguin Guide to Jazz called “Tenderly” “never more tender,” and cited the album as a summation of Webster’s artistic level at the time—blues, ballads, and swing all rendered with total authority. Recent reissues, notably in Verve’s Acoustic Sounds Series, present the album on audiophile-grade vinyl, preserving the depth and nuance of the original analog sound. As a lasting testament to Ben Webster’s unique place among jazz’s “big three” tenor legends, King Of The Tenors offers deep pleasures for new listeners and longtime followers alike: a record that remains as relevant, inviting, and immaculately played as on its first day of issue.
