Torch Bearer

Ben Webster’s Warm Moods is a searing lesson in melody and skillful phrasing.

- JIM CAMPILONGO

THIS PAGE USUALLY focuses on guitar-oriented records, for obvious reasons. That said, this is my third or fourth non-guitar record spanning almost one hundred columns. To complicate matters even more, the few people who have heard tenor saxophonist Ben Webster's The Warm Moods playing at my house have asked, "Why are you listening to Muzak?" or said, "My father listened to stuff like this."

All I can say is, we agree to disagree. The Warm Moods is one of my all-time favorite jazz records, and it's a must-hear. I've transcribed many of its tunes with awe and humility, so I feel compelled to share this record, because I love it.