Benjamin Francis Webster “Ben” “Frog” “Brute” Part 2
1 The TENORSAX of BENJAMIN FRANCIS WEBSTER “BEN” “FROG” “BRUTE” PART 2 (1943 – 1954) Solographer: Jan Evensmo Last update: October 23, 2017 2 Born: Kansas City, Missouri, March 27, 1909 Died: Amsterdam, Holland, Sept. 20, 1973 Introduction: Ben Webster got his fame through his association with Duke Ellington in the early forties, but he certainly managed on his own for his remaining forty years as active and highly respect artist. Intermediate History: Led own band on 52nd Street, short stay in Sid Catlett’s band (early 1944), with Raymond Scott on C.B.S. and two months with John Kirby (June – July 1944). Brief spell with Stuff Smith early in 1945, but from October 1944 mostly led own small groups for various residencies including: Spotlite and Three Deuces in New York and at Garrick Bar in Chicago (also guested with Henry Allen’s Band at the Garrick). Rejoined Duke Ellington from November 1948 until September 1949, worked with Jay McShann in Kansas City, also toured with ‘Jazz At The Philharmonic’. Returned to Kansas City, worked regularly with Bob Wilson’s band and free-lanced. Moved back to New York in late 1952, led own small groups, did studio work and free-lance recordings, then lived for several years in California (ref. John Chilton). 3 BEN WEBSTER SOLOGRAPHY Continued from 1943 and Duke Ellington. Ben Webster left Duke Ellington in Aug. 13, 1943. WOODY HERMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA NYC. Nov. 8, 1943 Bobby Guyer, Ray Wetzel, Cappy Lewis, Benny Stabler, Nick Travis (tp), Al Mastren, Eddie Bert, Ed Kiefer (tb), Woody Herman (cl, as, vo, ldr), Johnny Bothwell, Chuck DiMaggio (as), Pete Mondello, Ben Webster, Allen Eager (ts), Skippy DeSair (bar), Dick Kane (p), Hy White (g), Chubby Jackson (b), Cliff Leeman (dm), Frances Wayne (vo-98,00).
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