Search - Ben Webster :: Plays Ballads

Poor engineering spoils this wonderful album

bob248 | 01/14/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"The original tapes of these wonderful performances by Ben Webster have been lost, so Storyville have used material from private collections. Given this fact, the audio quality is surprisingly good on most tracks. Unfortunately there has been little or no effort to normalise the volume levels across tracks. This is most apparent when you get to tracks 8 and 9 (Danny Boy and Chelsea Bridge). The volume of these tracks must be double that of the preceding tracks. I expect this CD to blow out a few speaker cones!This is quite a shame, because Danny Boy is in itself, a wonderful performance, and is easily the best track on the CD. The opening track finds Ben playing with Teddy Wilson (his trio). For the remainder of the album he plays with Kenny Drew, The Danish Radio Big Band, and various others.This album rates 4/5 musically, but only 2/5 technically. If you have access to a computer and can burn a volume corrected copy, I would recommend this album. Otherwise, be prepared to stand by the volume control of your hi-fi while you play it."

Fine & Mellow

01/07/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I disagree with Tim & agree with Dave. The title lets you know that it's mellow tunes, not your best all-around compilation, but a fine mix of mellow. And it's true: tracks 8 & 9 kept me from listening often because I like putting a few CD's on 'shuffle/random play', but never could use this CD until I burned it with tracks 8 & 9 normalized, though they are still hurting from some clipping distortion. Also EQ'ed most of the rest as well. Teddy Wilson & Kenny Drew play some nice piano too. Not Ben's best, but quite relaxing to listen to."

If THIS doesn't work....it ain't your CD player.......

tdc92123 | san diego, ca United States | 10/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You have FINALLY found the ultimate in seduction. Ladies beware: you have NO CHANCE against this polished gem. The man's man of the ballad, Ben and the various lineups will coat your soul with heavy doses of love. Teddy Wilson and Kenny Drew have NEVER sounded better on piano.



Buy it, buy it, buy it, buy it....it works wonders.....trust me....."