After a time with Duke Ellington, expressive tenor saxophonist Ben Webster went solo, an early LP for Norman Granz’s Norgran label leading him to his most successful phase with Verve, following a merger. Soulville is easily the best of the bunch, with Webster’s breathy tones given a fitting accompaniment by Oscar Peterson and his group, then including bassist Ray Brown, guitarist Herb Ellis, and understated drummer Stan Levy; versions of ‘Lover Come Back To Me’ and ‘Makin’ Whoopee’ sound excellent, but bluesy originals such as ‘Last Date’ and the title track are truly outstanding. A quality set from start to finish.
