Ben Webster & Buck Clayton - Ben and Buck (1995) Lossless

Storyville is noted for uncovering long-overlooked live recordings, such as this 1967 club date by Ben Webster and Buck Clayton, which was finally made available in 1995. Although the somewhat distorted sound (frequent over-modulation and some wobble in the master tape) makes one think this is an audience recording, the rare opportunity to hear the tenor saxophonist and trumpeter together in a live setting this late in their careers makes the minimal distortion something easy to overlook, even if most of the time they are taking turns playing individual features. They play together on a rousing "Avalon" and an equally swinging "How High the Moon." Webster generously allows Clayton the first solo on a piece associated with him, Duke Ellington's "C Jam Blues," though Webster is center stage alone for yet another superb rendition of Billy Strayhorn's "Chelsea Bridge," which remained a favorite of his until the end of his life, and the traditional "Danny Boy." Clayton is the soloist on a foot-tapping "All of Me" and a brilliant "I Can't Get Started." Although the rhythm section is made up of local musicians, they are quite compatible accompanying the stars, and Webster is heard announcing his approval following a brief solo by pianist Camille de Ceunynck. This CD falls short of essential for fans of either Ben Webster or Buck Clayton, but serious swing fans will definitely enjoy it.