Combining two string albums by
Ben Webster and one from
Ellington sideman
Harry Carney, the two-disc
Music With Feeling delivers over two hours' worth of incredible ballad interpretations.
Webster, of course, made his name with many an after-hours gem, and he predictably shines here amidst the lush yet tasteful orchestral charts penned by
Ralph Burns,
Gerald Wilson, and
Billy Strayhorn; there are particularly fine renditions here of "Early Autumn" and
Strayhorn's misty and mercurial "Chelsea Bridge."
Carney, too, is stunning, handling the traditionally cumbersome baritone saxophone with grace and loads of feeling, especially on highlights like "It Had to Be You" and his and
Strayhorn's "Chalmeau." Forget all those bachelor-pad compilations and give this collection a spin at your next cocktail party.