Recorded in October 15, 1957 at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, California, and produced by Norman Granz, 'Soulville' it is considered one of the most important tenor saxophone albums ever made and where the chemistry between Ben Webster and Oscar Peterson's trio is extraordinary.
Ben Webster, one of the great swing-era saxophonists, was already a veteran by the time of Soulville's 1957 session: he had played with Fletcher Henderson, Benny Carter and Duke Ellington whith him he became especially famous for ballads and where his contribution to Ellington's band (along with that of bassist Jimmy Blanton) was fundamental, so much so that the formation during that period is remembered as the Blanton - Webster band). By the late 1950s, Webster was recording regularly for Verve label, which often paired jazz stars with the Oscar Peterson Trio.
On 'Soulville' the entire ensemble, especially Oscar Peterson, holds back flashy soloing in favor of refined and supportive interplay even if the Oscar Peterson Trio (Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, Herb Ellis) was known for virtuosity and sometimes flashy interplay. Here they hold back-offering subtle comping and leaving large space for the saxophone. Peterson's restraint is particularly notable: instead of dazzling runs, he creates sparse, sensitive accompaniments that let Webster's glow.
'Soulville' it's today widely considered one of the most successful collaborations between Webster and Peterson, a celebrated model of emotional storytelling and tonal warmth, especially influential among swing-era aficionados and tone purists that make it a timeless album.

Track Listing

• Soulville
• Late Date
• Time on My Hands
• Lover Come Back to Me
• Where Are You
• Makin’ Whoopee
• Ill Wind

Additional Details

Label: Ermitage

Genre: Jazz

Language: English

Run Time: 40:53 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 01/16/26

UPC: 3770024957167