Yes You!

Album Description

"Yes You!" is the final masterpiece from jazz legend Benny Golson, released posthumously on July 26, 2024, via VintageVibe Records. This album is a testament to Golson's enduring legacy, showcasing his prowess in hard bop, bebop, and cool jazz. Spanning a generous 89 minutes, the album features 19 tracks that highlight Golson's distinctive saxophone style and his knack for crafting memorable compositions.

The album opens with the breezy "Venetian Breeze" and includes iconic standards like "Stella by Starlight" and "Autumn Leaves," as well as Golson's own compositions such as "Strut Time" and "Symptoms." The tracklist also features a mix of upbeat numbers like "You're Driving Me Crazy (Moten Swing)" and more introspective pieces like "Yesterdays" and "My Heart Belongs to Daddy."

Benny Golson, a veteran of the jazz scene, passed away on September 21, 2024, at the age of 95. His contributions to jazz are immense, and "Yes You!" stands as a fitting tribute to his artistry. The album is a treasure trove for jazz enthusiasts, offering a blend of classic and original tracks that underscore Golson's unique voice in the genre. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Golson's work, "Yes You!" 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.