Benny Golson leads a potent quintet in this 1959 studio date; the tenor saxophonist is joined by pianist
Tommy Flanagan, trombonist
Curtis Fuller, bassist
Doug Watkins, and drummer
Art Taylor.
Golson's snappy arrangement of "Baubles, Bangle and Beads" features
Fuller's fine mute work and
Flanagan's upbeat inventive solo before he introduces his big-toned tenor into the mix.
Golson's slight vibrato and
Taylor's swirling brushwork are highlights of his interpretation of "April in Paris." The remaining three tracks are all originals by the leader: the up-tempo hard bop cooker "Blue Streak," the jaunty strut "Tippin' on Thru," and the extended blues "Bob Hurd's Blues," which will get anyone's feet tapping. This is one of
Benny Golson's best dates as a leader because one not only gets to enjoy his always strong arrangements, but his consistently first-rate tenor sax solos. Highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden