Like most young sax wannabes, my exposure to Golson was through a version of his Killer Joe in HS Jazz Band. It wasn't until I got serious about the saxophone, much later, that I discovered Golson for myself. The track I am uploading is a Golson original - appropriately - entitled The Stroller from his album Groovin' with Golson.
I want to say that Benny Golson was on the Art Blakey album Moanin', which also featured Along Came Betty. Golson was best known for his compositions, and for very good reason: Killer Joe, Along Came Betty, Stablemates, Whisper Not, I Remember Clifford for starters. Golson, as demonstrated on this recording, could hold his own in esteemed saxophone company, but he never rose to the first rank of tenor men born in the 1920s and, consequently, I don't think he gets his deserved credit. Coltrane and Sonny Rollins aside, Golson (along with Jimmy Heath) are unique in the impact of both their playing and their writing, for which they do receive acclaim. I recall that Golson did a significant amount of writing for TV and film, so perhaps this was held against him at some point? Nevertheless, Golson, like all the saxmen who survive, becomes a musical treasure, not only for his musical contributions, but for connecting us to the Titans, namely John Coltrane. Coltrane, Heath and Golson were all contemporaries in Philadelphia, and in Heath's own words, the three of them spent significant time together. It was either Golson's or Heath's parents who hosted the neighbourhood jam session in their living room. As a parent, try to wrap your head around presiding over that assembly. I wonder if they knew? Somebody should have pressed "record". So, not only was Golson a serious player in his day - and YouTube reveals that he still is - he wrote some very important jazz standards AND he can provide firsthand accounts of the life and playing of a youthful John Coltrane.
I was fortunate to know Ross Taggart (1967-2013), who ranked among the most gifted jazz musicians Canada has ever contributed, an equally gifted pianist and saxophonist. I recall hearing about Ross' time studying with Benny Golson; firsthand accounts are authentic, as opposed to what we read. Ross was renowned for being a kind soul and funny as h*ll. Ross spoke of Benny Golson in the highest regard, so Benny must also be a really, really great guy. Health and happiness to Mr. Golson and God rest Ross Taggart. Enjoy this track.
For more on Benny Golson, go to the source: http://www.bennygolson.com
