And the Philadelphians

Album Description

Dive into the rich history of jazz with Benny Golson's "And the Philadelphians," a timeless collection of hard bop and bebop masterpieces, digitally remastered in 2018. This album, originally released in 1958, features Golson's signature compositions and his renowned quintet, including the legendary Lee Morgan. With a runtime of just 35 minutes, this album is a concise yet powerful journey through the golden era of jazz.

"And the Philadelphians" showcases Golson's prowess as both a composer and a saxophonist, with tracks like "You're Not the Kind," "Blues on My Mind," and "Calgary" highlighting his melodic genius. The album is part of a four-album set released by AVID Jazz, which also includes "The Modern Touch," "Benny Golson's New York Scene," and "The Other Side of Benny Golson," offering a comprehensive look at Golson's early career.

This reissue is a testament to Golson's enduring influence on the jazz world. A leading member of The Jazztet, Golson is also known for composing iconic pieces like "I Remember Clifford" and "Whisper Not." "And the Philadelphians" is a quintessential addition to any jazz enthusiast's collection, offering a blend of cool jazz and hard bop that continues to resonate with audiences today.

3 augustus 2018

2018 AVID Jazz

About Benny Golson

Benny Golson, the legendary American jazz tenor saxophonist, composer, and arranger, left an indelible mark on the music world with his distinctive style and timeless compositions. Born in Philadelphia in 1929, Golson's career spanned over six decades, during which he became renowned for his work with big bands led by Lionel Hampton and Dizzy Gillespie. His compositions, such as "Whisper Not," "Blues March," "Killer Joe," and "Along Came Betty," are celebrated for their harmonic complexity and melodic elegance, making him one of the few jazz instrumentalists more celebrated for his compositions than his performances.

Golson co-founded and co-led The Jazztet with trumpeter Art Farmer in 1959, a group that showcased his talents as both a performer and an arranger. Throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, he was highly sought after for his arranging skills in film and television, which temporarily shifted his focus away from performing. However, Golson and Farmer reunited The Jazztet in 1982, continuing to captivate audiences with their unique blend of hard bop and cool jazz. Golson's contributions to jazz are a testament to his enduring legacy, making him a beloved figure in the genre.