Coleman Hawkins and Ben Webster

The Profile

Coleman Hawkins and Ben Webster were American jazz tenor saxophonists who teamed up for the celebrated 1957 Verve album Coleman Hawkins Encounters Ben Webster, produced by Norman Granz with members of the Oscar Peterson Trio.

Coleman Hawkins (1904–1969) and Ben Webster (1909–1973) were leading American tenor saxophonists; Hawkins is widely credited with establishing the tenor saxophone as a dominant jazz voice, while Webster was a hallmark soloist with Duke Ellington. Their key collaboration is the 1957 Verve session with Oscar Peterson, Herb Ellis, Ray Brown, and Alvin Stoller, produced by Norman Granz.

A glowing look at the 1957 album Coleman Hawkins Encounters Ben Webster. The review highlights Oscar Peterson, Herb Ellis, Ray Brown, and Alvin Stoller, with Norman Granz producing. Warm, elegant, and unpretentious playing dominates, leaning into ballads and swing. Early stereo flair is noted, and the album is praised as a comforting, accessible listen.