Havin' A Good Time (1964)

"This CD fills an important gap in the discographies of both Joe Williams and Ben Webster. While Williams was in town for a week-long gig at Pio's in Providence, Rhode Island, he and his group (pianist Junior Mance, bassist Bob Cranshaw and drummer Mickey Roker) were surprised to find Ben Webster in the club one night, so he was invited to sit in. Everyone on the date is in terrific form. Williams is masterful throughout the evening, inserting a touch of humor to his receptive and attentive audience as he glides effortlessly through the set. The vocalist is especially complemented by Webster's robust tenor in a sensitive ballad like "A Hundred Years From Today" or a mid-tempo swinger like "Just A-Sittin' and A-Rockin'." Like many club recordings made in the mid-'60s, the sound quality of the rhythm section is a tad muddy, but any fan of Joe Williams will easily adjust to it. Highly recommended." (Ken Dryden, Allmusic)