Ben Webster, Don Byas - Giants Of The Tenor Sax (1988)

In the 1930s and '40s, Milt Gabler's Commodore label filled a void in the jazz record business with the release of many small combo recordings featuring the likes of Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkins, Billie Holiday, Teddy Wilson, and Don Byas. Even before the rise of bebop made the combo format a preferred studio vehicle, many jazz luminaries enjoyed the informality of small outfits; it generally beat the big band environment as a place to really stretch out in, and Commodore was willing to accommodate those soloists who were ripe to head up a session. One of a handful of the label's fine discs featuring a pair of star soloists, this Ben Webster and Don Byas entry in the Giants of the Tenor Sax series spotlights the horn players on prime mid-'40s dates. Backed by a band led by the incredible drummer Sid Catlett, Webster lets loose on a mix of ballads and up-tempo cuts; highlights include a gorgeous version of "Memories of You" and the brisk swinger "Just a Riff." Byas avails himself admirably as well, notably on two famous duets with bassist Slam Stewart from the New York Town Hall concert of 1945 ("I Got Rhythm" and "Indiana"). They are also joined by pianist Teddy Wilson for a tasty ballad rendition of "Candy." Rounding out this very enjoyable set are three more Byas cuts from 1944, this time featuring the band of trumpeter Hot Lips Page. Essential for jazz fans.