CiTR

Tonight's Jazz Feature is a tribute to tenor saxophonist/composer/bandleader Benny Golson. Benny was one of the real shining lights on the Jazz of the 50's, 60's,70's and right up to the present. He passed away peacefully at age 95 at his home in New York. He was born in Philadelphia on January 25, 1929 and dies on September 21, 2024. Benny grew up in the Jazz rich atmosphere of Philadelphia and associated with the Heath brothers, John Coltrane, Lee Morgan, Philly Joe Jones, Ray Bryant and so many others. He composed some eternal Jazz standards like "I'll Remember Clifford", "Stablemates", "Whisper Not", "Along Came Betty" and so many others. He developed his skills in R&B bands and Tadd Dameron's band, Dizzy Gillespie's big band of the 50's and then Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, He then formed The Jazztet with trumpeter Art Farmer and later moved to L.A. and wrote for TV and movies and returned to active Jazz playing in the 80's and right up until his passing. Tonight's Jazz feature is one fine date called "Benny Golson and The Philadelphians" with an all Philadelphia cast including the young phenomenon Lee Morgan on trumpet, Ray Bryant on piano, Percy heath on bass and the great Philly Joe Jones on drums. It was done in December 1958 and released originally on United Artist Records. It's a fine presentation of Benny's organizing talents, his playing and writing and arranging. In tribute to Benny Golson tonight!