Hawkins, Coleman & Ben Webster: Coleman Hawkins Encounters Ben Webster (Verve Acoustic Sounds) LP

Many saxophonists have come close, but none have quite equaled the fullness of tone, enveloping spirit, or sense of uncompromised soul that jazz giants Coleman Hawkins and Ben Webster produced on their instruments. This 1957 Verve date with Norman Granz behind the boards finds the two tenors matching musical wits with iconic accompaniment from Herb Ellis (guitar), Ray Brown (bass), Oscar Peterson (piano) and Alvin Stoller (drums). From Hawkins' screaming solo on opener "Blues for Yolanda," to the saxophone greats' beautiful give and take on the ballads "It Never Entered My Mind" and "Prisoner of Love" to the melodic toe tappers "You'd be So Nice to Come Home To" and "Tangerine," this classic 7-song set is warm, lyrical and altogether essential!