Swing It!

Album Description

"Swing It!" is a masterful collection of jazz standards and original compositions, showcasing the legendary Benny Golson's unparalleled talent as a tenor saxophonist and composer. Released on July 26, 2024, via VintageVibe Records, this album spans a rich tapestry of hard bop, bebop, cool jazz, and blues, offering a comprehensive journey through Golson's musical prowess.

The album features a stellar lineup of tracks, including the upbeat "Swing It," the soulful "I Fall in Love Too Easily," and the poignant tribute "I Remember Clifford." Each piece is meticulously arranged, highlighting Golson's signature orchestrations that imbue familiar standards with a fresh, elegant rhythm. The rhythm section, which maintains a steady 4/4 beat throughout most of the album, provides a solid foundation for Golson's melodic grace and harmonic complexity.

With a duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, "Swing It!" is a testament to Golson's enduring influence in the jazz world. From the lively "Ornithology" to the nostalgic "April in Paris," each track is a testament to Golson's ability to blend tradition with innovation. Whether you're a seasoned jazz enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.

26 juli 2024

2024 VintageVibe Records

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.