Frog (2000)

About this title: Throughout his long career tenor saxophonist Ben Webster, lovingly nicknamed "The Frog," never lost his lyrical, breathy tone on the instrument and he has to be considered one of the best of the transitional jazz tenor players who emerged in the prewar years. This tight set features several of Webster's earliest sides, including tracks he recorded with bandleaders Bennie Moten, Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, Benny Carter and others. The classic "Cotton Tail," recorded in the early '40s with Ellington, is here, along with a striking version of "St. James Infirmary" and a fast, strong and ... read more

Tracks:

1. Memories of You [Blake/Razaf]
2. Ten Lessons with Timothy [Simon/Scott]
3. You're Only Happy When I'm Blue [Scott/Marino]
4. Cadillac Slim [Webster]
5. Ben Rides Out [Johnson]
6. Kat's Fur [Webster]
7. Victory Stride [Johnson]
8. Jumpin' with Judy [Thomas]
9. Palm Springs Jump [Gaillard]
10. Cotton Tail [Ellington]
11. All Too Soon [Ellington/Sigman]
12. Linger Awhile [Owens/Rose]
13. Until Tonight (Mauve) [Heyman/Young]
14. St. James Infirmary [Primrose/Traditiona]
15. Mobile Bay [Ellington/Stewart]
16. Just A-Sittin' and A-Rockin' [Ellington/Gaines/St]
17. Five O'Clock Drag [Ellington]
18. Early Session Hop [Harding/Wilson]
19. The Voice of Old Man River [Bryant/White]
20. Tidal Wave [Morgan-Trask]
21. Lafayette [Basie/Durham]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.