European Tour 2019

Album Description

"European Tour 2019" captures legendary saxophonist Benny Golson and his stellar ensemble in a series of electrifying live performances from their 2019 European tour. Recorded in December 2019 and released in 2020, this album is a testament to Golson's enduring mastery of hard bop, bebop, and cool jazz.

The album features Golson's timeless compositions and interpretations, including standout tracks like "Horizon Ahead," "I Remember Clifford," and "All the Things You Are." Each performance is a masterclass in jazz improvisation, showcasing Golson's distinctive tenor saxophone sound and his band's tight, swinging interplay.

The ensemble includes Ellister van der Molen on trumpet, Simon Rigter on tenor saxophone, Bob Wijnen on piano, Johnny Daly on bass, and Eric Ineke on drums. Their collective virtuosity and chemistry are evident throughout the album's 51-minute runtime, making "European Tour 2019" a must-hear for jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The album was released on Blau Records and is a fantastic addition to any jazz collection.

4 december 2020

(P) 2019 Norddeutscher Rundfunk

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.