In 1967, Dutch director Johan van der Keuken filmed tenor saxophonist Ben Webster when he lived in the Rivierenbuurt section of Amsterdam. In Big Ben: Ben Webster in Europe, we see Webster performing, sitting in a cafe and talking to his landlady. In other words, it's not a conventional documentary but more like slices of life, giving us an up-close feel for Webster going about his business. Also featured is Don Byas. [Pictured above: Ben Webster in 1967]
A big thanks to my man Jimi Mentis in Anthens, who sent along this link to a gorgeous print...
A big thanks to my man Jimi Mentis in Anthens, who sent along this link to a gorgeous print...
This story appears courtesy of JazzWax by Marc Myers.
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