From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack. We continue honoring the memory and the legacy of jazz saxophone great, Benny Golson.
Saxophonist Patrick Bartley's Tribute to Benny Golson.
Stablemates (Golson) The Patrick Bartley Trio, captured live on November 19, 2023 at No Room For Squares in Tokyo, Japan. Patrick Bartley - Alto Sax; Yuji Ito - Bass; and Hiro Kimura - Drums
Benny Golson is a highly influential jazz saxophonist, composer, and arranger, known for his rich contributions to hard bop and modern jazz. He composed many jazz standards, including "I Remember Clifford," "Killer Joe," and "Whisper Not." Golson was a key figure in bands like Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and worked with legends like John Coltrane and Dizzy Gillespie. His ability to blend lyrical melodies with sophisticated harmonies made him stand out as both a performer and a composer, leaving a lasting mark on jazz history.
This number is called "Ain't Nobody's Business" sung by Jimmy Witherspoon. This recording from July 12, 1981, is a very special evening, the sequel of the movie: The Last of the Blue Devils playing in the PWA zaal NSJF. A very special occasion where superstar soloists came together in one band, to play for the NSJF audience. On trumpet Joe Newman, Harry ‘Sweets’ Edison, Waymon Reed and Snooky Young. On trombone - Benny Powel, Al Grey and John Gordon. On sax Frank Foster, Chris Woods. On tenor sax Buddy Tate. On alto sax Marshall Royal. On piano - Nat Pierce. On bass Eddie Jones. On drums Gus Johnson. And with Clark Terry. The Count Basie Alumni Big Band, inspired by the enduring legacy of the legendary jazz pianist and bandleader William "Count" Basie, pays homage to the swing era and the iconic Count Basie Orchestra. Although there isn't a single, continuous alumni big band affiliated directly with Count Basie, various ensembles have emerged over the years, featuring former members of Basie's orchestra. Count Basie, a trailblazer in the big band and swing jazz movements, established his initial big band in the late 1930s. Renowned for its tight, rhythmic style and influential soloists, the orchestra saw the passage of numerous talented musicians. These alumni bands function as a living tribute to Count Basie.
Bessie Smith and many more artists have performed this song. It was written in 1922 by Porter Grainger and Everett Robbins.
This number is called "Big Boss Man" sung by Jimmy Witherspoon. This recording from July 12, 1981 is a very special evening, the sequel of the movie: The Last of The Blue Devils playing in the PWA zaal NSJF. A very special occasion where superstar soloists came together in one band, to play for the NSJF audience. On trumpet Joe Newman, Harry ‘Sweets’ Edison, Waymon Reed and Snooky Young. On trombone - Benny Powel, Al Grey and John Gordon. On sax Frank Foster, Chris Woods. On tenor sax Buddy Tate. On alto sax Marshall Royal. On piano - Nat Pierce. On bass Eddie Jones. On drums Gus Johnson. And with Clark Terry. The Count Basie Alumni Big Band, inspired by the enduring legacy of the legendary jazz pianist and bandleader William "Count" Basie, pays homage to the swing era and the iconic Count Basie Orchestra. Although there isn't a single, continuous alumni big band affiliated directly with Count Basie, various ensembles have emerged over the years, featuring former members of Basie's orchestra. Count Basie, a trailblazer in the big band and swing jazz movements, established his initial big band in the late 1930s. Renowned for its tight, rhythmic style and influential soloists, the orchestra saw the passage of numerous talented musicians. These alumni bands function as a living tribute to Count Basie.
Incidentally, this song, "Big Boss Man" was first recorded by bluesman Jimmy Reed in 1960.
Remembering the late, great jazz saxophone legend, Benny Golson.
From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.
Stablemates (Golson). Benny Golson, tenor saxophone, Joan Monné, piano, Ignasi Gonzalez, bass, and Jo Krause drums. Benny Golson, the iconic tenor saxophonist and one of jazz’s most celebrated composers, passed away on September 21, 2024, at the age of 95. A towering figure in the world of jazz, Golson’s contributions as both a musician and a composer have left an indelible mark on the genre, shaping the sound and direction of jazz over multiple decades.
Born on January 25, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Golson rose to prominence in the 1950s as a key figure in the hard bop movement, blending bebop sophistication with blues and R&B influences. He played alongside jazz legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey, John Coltrane, and Lionel Hampton, earning a reputation for his lyrical tone and expressive playing.
But it was Golson’s extraordinary talent as a composer that set him apart. His compositions have become jazz standards, recorded and performed by musicians around the world. Iconic pieces such as “I Remember Clifford,” written in memory of trumpeter Clifford Brown, "Whisper Not," "Killer Joe," "Stablemates," and "Along Came Betty" continue to define modern jazz and are beloved across generations of jazz enthusiasts.
In addition to his work with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Golson co-founded the Jazztet with trumpeter Art Farmer in 1959. The group became a cornerstone of the hard bop sound and further established Golson’s influence as both a composer and performer. His contributions during this period helped to cement the hard bop style as a dominant force in jazz.
Beyond the world of live performance, Golson's versatility extended to television and film, where he composed and arranged for shows like M*A*S*H and Mission: Impossible. His ability to seamlessly blend jazz with cinematic scores made him a sought-after talent in the entertainment industry.
A revered educator, Golson also dedicated much of his life to sharing his deep knowledge of jazz history and technique. He mentored countless musicians and lectured extensively, leaving a lasting impact on future generations of jazz artists. His role as both a historian and creator of jazz ensured that his legacy would endure not only through his recordings but also through the students he inspired.
Benny Golson’s influence on jazz is immeasurable. His music transcends time, embodying the soul, complexity, and beauty of the genre. As a performer, composer, and educator, his legacy will continue to inspire and shape the world of jazz for generations to come.
He is survived by his family and a global community of musicians and fans who celebrate his life and music. Benny Golson’s spirit will forever echo in the melodies of the jazz standards he leaves behind.'
