Ben Webster - The Warm Moods - 180g Vinyl LP

180g Vinyl LP! Audiophile Mastering!

Released in 1961 for Reprise, this was the label's first release by an artist other than Frank Sinatra.

"The veteran tenor Ben Webster had a very warm tone on ballads that contrasted with the aggressive biting sound he used on faster material. For this 1960 set Webster is joined by a string quartet (arranged by Johnny Richards) and a rhythm section for his melodic interpretations of a dozen standards. Even when simply stating the melody, Webster brings out unexpected beauty in the songs. His tone has never been accurately duplicated and is the main reason to pick up this ...reissue." - allmusic.com

"Actually I am not big fan of jazz mixing with strings - it seems to have a muzaky feeling to it. But.... this album is so well done, Webster's playing is so amazing, that there is no way anyone could call this muzak. The sound is excellent. It was recorded at Radio Recorders - a great sound studio that was very popular in Hollywood in the 50s. The strings are extremely lush and Webster sounds as if he is in the room with you. One additional note - Webster's signiture breathy sound is much less breathy than in later albums. Not better, not worse - just a different sound than I am used to hearing. I highly suggest this LP to any Webster fan and anyone looking for a big fat mellow sound." - By T. Butler on August 7, 2004