Big Ben: Ben Webster in Europe(1967)

Big Ben: Ben Webster in Europe Synopsis

In the late sixties, the American saxophone player and living jazz legend Ben Webster lived in Amsterdam for a year. Webster, who was born in Kansas City in 1909, was a unique personality in the world of jazz and blues. In the thirties, he played with all the great names. During his Amsterdam period, he stayed with an elderly landlady, Mrs Hardloper, with whom he appeared on a national talk show. In conversations with Van der Keuken, he muses on the past; on the fantastic experience of playing in the renowned Duke Ellington band; or on one of his best friends, who was so deft at eating with a knife and fork. Short, fragmented remarks, which Van der Keuken has edited in a loose, improvised editing style.

Big Ben: Ben Webster in Europe (1967) is a music and documentary film directed by Johan van der Keuken, released on January 1, 1967 with a runtime of 31m. It stars Ben Webster, Don Byas, Michiel de Ruyter and Rob Langereis. Viewers rate it 5.5 out of 10 across 4 ratings.