Benny Golson's New York Scene

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds of 1950s New York City with Benny Golson's "Benny Golson's New York Scene," a timeless jazz album released on July 24, 2019, by Big Buzz Productions. This captivating collection of hard bop, bebop, and cool jazz tracks showcases the masterful tenor saxophonist and composer's prowess, featuring a quintet with the legendary Art Farmer on some tracks. The album opens with the swinging "Something in B Flat," followed by the sultry "Whisper Not," and the playful "Step Lightly." Each track is a testament to Golson's compositional genius and his ability to blend intricate melodies with smooth grooves, making it an essential addition to any jazz enthusiast's collection.

"Benny Golson's New York Scene" is not just a collection of songs; it's a historical snapshot of a pivotal moment in jazz history. The album features Golson's first recording as a leader, originally released in 1957, and includes iconic tracks that have stood the test of time. The collaboration with Art Farmer, who also featured Golson on his own album the following year, adds an extra layer of depth and richness to the music. Whether you're a seasoned jazz aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that captures the spirit of New York City's jazz scene in the late 1950s.

24 juli 2019

2019 Format Music

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.