Customer Reviews

Simply Jazz: Smooth Jazz

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Fans of Ben Webster, please note: for perhaps the only time in his brilliant career, Ben finds himself out-balladed. Coleman Hawkins, the father of the tenor, steps up to the mike on 'It Never Entered my Mind' and outplays the greatest balladeer in jazz history. It's a thrilling solo. Ben is, of course, glorious, the rhythm section is blue-chip (the Peterson trio plus drums), and the interplay between the two horns (especially the gorgeous unison melody playing on 'La Rosita') is breathtaking. Mainstream jazz at its finest, and an essential purchase for any jazz -- any music -- lover.

This album will wrap around your soul like warm wind on a Chicago summer night. If you like smooth whiskey and soft skin, buy this album immediately

This record is magnificent, it has something which most contemporary jazz lacks heavily - an atmosphere. It captures the distinction between possesing a virtuous technique(which several master) and possessing a virtuous ability to play an instrument in an intimate way(which is for the few). Ben Webster and Coleman Hawkins had that gift, they felt the joy, the endearment, the pain and the wonder of life, and they let it out through their music. This was the first Jazz record I simply had to get. I have had many beautiful moments in company with it since, and many more sure is to come.

For several years I wanted this album but did not know it's name. I listened to Coleman Hawkins playing "Shine On Harvest Moon" on an uncredited (bootleg?) collection of jazz soloists and wanted to find this album. When I first heard "La Rosita" on the Ultimate Coleman Hawkins CD I knew it was the same sidemen playing and that's how I discovered this CD. I own a lot of CDs and I could never give a single answer when people asked me what my favorite disk was until I bought this CD. I've got a copy for home and one for the office. Friends and co-workers have asked for it. I've bought several copies for birthdays and Christmas. This is one great album.

Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, Herb Ellis! You need to hear this one!

This is a one word review of a magnificent album by two of my favorite saxophonists and jazzmen: WONDERFUL!

I had to read the reviews numerous times and keep my disappointment in check at the limited availability of what seemed to be a classic summit.
Then I compared the notes about the personnel and the tracks to realize that this is the same album Coleman Hawkins encounters Ben Webster (which is readily available here on Amazon and elsewhere).

Great disc, well worth picking up.

I wholeheartedly agree with all the previous reviews especially the last one. I own the vinyl "Tenor Giants" album referred to and have passionately loved it for years. When I was in Germany and introduced to a Jazz enthusiast, he declared "La Rosita" was his desert Island choice but at the time it was unavailable on CD.
I just ordered and received the Encounters CD and was disappointed to notice the missing tracts particularly "Time After Time". These sides from the LP set must be re-released!

This is one of the greatest recordings of all time. What a collaboration between 2 absolute geniuses of the tenor. Also Oscar Peterson's playing is awsome on every cut. I can't stop listening to this. It is inspiring!

I was turned on this particulary disc in 1967. Still at highscool--else listening most to The Doors, Frank Zappa, Stones, The Animals and of cource, and not least Bob Dylan and The Band. With a very disciplined Oscar P at the piano, backed by Herb Ellis on guitar, Ray Brown at bass and Alvin Stoller on drums. A good friend played this thing for me over and over. Heard it not for 15 years after we split, and then in radio heard "You'd been sp nice to come home to" again, and was sold at the age of 48.

All the previous reviewers are right on the money: this is a fabulous and stunning exhibition by both Coleman Hawkins and Ben Webster on each track. Unfortunately, the CD captures only a fraction of the magic between them. I was fortunate enough to get the original 2 album set on vinyl about 12 years ago. If you think the CD is great.... Lobby Verve to release the other sides of this collaboration!!! Budd Johnson is another,underrated tenor who shines on the album, but is not heard on this CD. De-Dar and In a Mellow Tone alone make the original album worth it. In a Mellow Tone is a breath-taking relaxed 20 minute groove which features outstanding solos from Ray Brown, Jimmy Jones, Les Spann, Budd Johnson, Roy Eldridge, Hawkins, Jo Jones and then Webster. Gary Giddins does a great job of setting the scene in his detailed and informative liner notes. The CD is great, but to get the full impact of this gathering, do everything possible to get or order the original album. To do less would be cheating yourself.