CiTR

Walter Benton was a fine tenor saxophonist who's career was long and productive, especially as a sideman but he remained in undeserved obscurity. His only recording under his name is tonight's Jazz Feature. He deserved more but it never happened. The recording was done when Walter had ventured to New York from his native Los Angeles to join Max Roach's band. He was given this date and hand-picked the players. Walter wrote 5 of the 7 tunes on the date. He picked a young Freddie Hubbard for his front line horn and they blend very well. The rhythm section on the first 3 tunes is Miles Davis' rhythm section of the time, 1960. Wynton Kelly on piano, Paul Chambers on bass and Jimmy Cobb on drums. On the final 4 tunes, Cobb is replaced by the able and swinging Albert "Tootie" Heath. Walter proves himself on this date and to show off his beautiful haunting sound there are 2 ballads, one by Walter and his rendition of the great tune "Lover Man". It's sad he never had a chance to record more under his name. Walter died in obscurity and poverty in Los Angeles in 2000 at age 69. A sad end to a fine player. This album stand the test of time.