Listening Room – “Blues-ette”

Curtis Fuller – “Five Spot After Dark”

Curtis Fuller – “Blues-Ette

Curtis Fuller – “Minor Vamp”

From “Blues-Ette” : 1959 : Savoy MG 12141

An absolute stunner of a jazz record that is not anywhere near as well known as it deserves to be.  While the initial impression of the album is its cool and relaxed feel, repeated listens show how much fire the players are putting forth.  Fuller’s muted trombone and Benny Golson’s smoky tenor sound are perfectly complemented by Tommy Flanagan’s delicate touch at the piano.  Fuller is still making great music today, but “Blues-ette” may very well stand as his most magnificent jazz achievement.

Players:
Curtis Fuller – Trombone
Benny Golson – Tenor Sax
Tommy Flanagan – Piano
Jimmy Garrison – Bass
Al Harewood – Drums

Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers – 1958

Fantastic footage of the 1958 version of the Jazz Messengers performing “I Remember Clifford”.  Players are Lee Morgan (tp), Benny Golson (sax), Bobby Timmons (p), Jymie Merritt (b) and Art Blakey (d).  This might be the most well known version of the group as it is the lineup that appeared on the classic “Moanin’” released this same year.

Listening Room – “New Time, New ‘Tet”

This 2009 release by jazz legend Benny Golson features his New Jazztet and is a great example of a veteran player showing the young folks how it’s done.  Featuring both contemporaries and some younger players, the album boasts a great front-line of Golson, Eddie Henderson and Steve Davis.  The Davis composition Grove’s Groove and Golson’s own Uptown Afterburner are standout tracks on a album that has no weak spots.

golsontet1
Buy at Amazon

Released 2009  :  Concord Records  :  Catalog # 31121

Players:
Benny Golson – Tenor Sax
Eddie Henderson – Trumpet
Steve Davis – Trombone
Mike LeDonne – Piano
Buster Williams – Bass
Carl Allen – Drums

Benny Golson – Grove’s Groove from “New Time, New ‘Tet”

Benny Golson – Uptown Afterburn from “New Time, New ‘Tet”