Ben Webster - In Hot House (Record Store Day 2023) LP

1 x LP Limited 180g Vinyl Edition (500 copies) with obi strip

Tenor saxophonist Ben Webster (born Kansas City, 1909) needs little introduction, Webster is regarded as one of the three foremost swing era tenor saxophonists – the two others being Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young. His ballad playing and sound inspired such later fellow saxophonists as Archie Shepp, Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane. Webster became famous for his unique sound, quick tempos, his solos that contained great virile rhythmic momentum, a rasping timbre and an almost brutal aggressiveness filled with growl, while his ballad playing was breathy, tender and sensual.

On the album we are proudly presenting you today (‘In Hot House’ recorded at Leiden, May 1972) you will find mind-blowing rare Dutch sessions recorded at the Hot House club in Leiden. Hot House is one of the oldest jazz venues of The Netherlands (It has existed since 1969.) The album includes an international all-star line-up featuring Rob Langereis (Toots Thielemans), Eric Ineke (George Coleman) and Tete Montoliu (Rashaan Roland Kirk). Webster is in constant musical dialog with the rhythm section creating a unique back and forth with these musicians at the top of their game.

Ben Webster played a total of three shows in Leiden, the first one dating back to 1967, then the recordings we are presenting you today (from 1972) and then the last one in 1973 (just two weeks before his untimely death). Needless to say the venue was packed with loyal fans…and the love an audience has for Webster can be clearly heard on this album. The musicians are constantly being fired up by a spirited crowd (almost making the audience a 5th bandmember).

Tidal Waves Music now proudly presents the FIRST ever vinyl reissue of this fantastic album (originally released as a limited private pressing by the Dutch Ben Webster fan club society back in 1979). This unique record comes as a deluxe 180g vinyl edition (strictly limited to 500 copies) with obi strip and features the original artwork. Released exclusively for Record Store Day 2023 (Uk & Europe)

Tracklist:

01 Ben’s Blues
02 Our Love Is Here To Stay
03 I Got It Bad And That Ain’t Good
04 Set Call (The Theme)