Suggestions for Duke Ellington w/Ben Webster 1948-49

[Tom in RI]

Are there any standout releases from Webster's return to the fold in 1948-49? I know there was a recording ban but I am wondering which broadcast releases I should be looking for. Thanks in advance, and merry Christmas.

[jazztrain]

Information in "The New Desor" indicates that Webster is with the orchestra on the following broadcasts that have been issued at least in part:

• Gymnastics Hall, Union College, Schenectady, NY. NBC broadcast. Nov. 6, 1948.
• Carnegie Hall, New York City. Concert. Nov. 13, 1948.
• Click Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA. CBS broadcast. Nov. 22, 1948.
• Click Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA. NBC broadcast. Nov. 23, 1948.
• Click Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA. NBC broadcast. Nov. 24, 1948.
• Click Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA. NBC broadcast. Nov. 26, 1948.
• Click Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA. NBC broadcast. Nov. 27, 1948.
• Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. Concert. Dec. 10, 1948.
• AFRS radio transcription. probably Dec. 1948.
• Hollywood Empire, Los Angeles, CA. ABC broadcast. February 1949 (several undated listings).
• Hollywood Empire, Los Angeles, CA. ABC broadcast. Feb. 8, 1949.
• Hollywood Empire, Los Angeles, CA. ABC broadcast. February 1949.
• Hollywood Empire, Los Angeles, CA. ABC broadcast. Feb. 9, 1949.
• Hollywood Empire, Los Angeles, CA. ABC broadcast. Feb. 10, 1949.

Desor also lists several additional sessions and appearances as unissued.

Have fun tracking these down and listening for Webster solos

I have a friend who is a somewhat obsessive Ben Webster. He might be a source of information for you.

[medjuck]

The Carnegie Hall concert is (or was) available on cd. Storyville still lists a cd of Hollywood Empire broadcasts, and it's available on cd or as a download from Amazon.

Edited December 25, 2013 by medjuck

[jeffcrom]

Yes, the 1948 Carnegie Hall concert came out on a two-disc Vintage Jazz Classics album, which seems to be kind of pricey when you find it these days. The Cornell concert, featuring practically the same program, was issued on two MusicMasters CDs, which I'm thinking should be easier to find. Webster is not heavily featured on either, but he gets a few solo spots.

[JSngry]

Would something from 1971 be ok?

[BeBop]

Not every player that had a long career was great until the end. Webster was.

[Tom in RI]

Thanks everyone, I have the 1948 Carnegie Hall date on vinyl on the Caracol label. Looks like the Storyville release should be easy to get a hold of.

[ejp626]

Thanks everyone, I have the 1948 Carnegie Hall date on vinyl on the Caracol label. Looks like the Storyville release should be easy to get a hold of.

It's in the Duke Box from Storyville and is still sold as a single CD. Iit is also on eMusic and perhaps iTunes.

[medjuck]

Thanks everyone, I have the 1948 Carnegie Hall date on vinyl on the Caracol label. Looks like the Storyville release should be easy to get a hold of.

It's in the Duke Box from Storyville and is still sold as a single CD. Iit is also on eMusic and perhaps iTunes.

It can also be downloaded from Amazon. The cd has no liner notes.