Ben Webster

[Big Beat Steve]

20 hours ago, Late said:

Let us know what you think! (Was the harpsichord necessary?)

Sooo ...@Late: What are YOUR impressions of the presence of the harpsichord on that album, then? 

[Kevin Bresnahan]

43 minutes ago, Big Beat Steve said:

Sooo ...@Late: What are YOUR impressions of the presence of the harpsichord on that album, then? 

It has to be better than this!

 

[Late]

22 hours ago, Big Beat Steve said:

...I do not find that thing that sounds like an amplified harpsichord here (unusual...) all that disturbing. Not necessary but not all that unpleasant....the jazzier licks (at times almost organ-like) that come from the harpsichord here are OK and do not bother me.

I'd echo this sentiment. Not necessary, but not unpleasant. But I do wonder who (Bob Thiele?) thought: "Waitaminute! I know! Let's use harpsichord instead of piano! Yeah! People will go crazy for that! We're gonna have a new jazz hit!" 😜

I wish there were a Ben Webster Impulse! date with Gary McFarland arrangements. And Bill Evans on piano. I think Ben played better—or perhaps was more inspired—when placed in a setting that was harmonically challenging. I could see McFarland pulling that off while still giving Webster room to be himself.