BOOKLET

 

The Benny Golson Quintet – Gettin’ With It

1. Baubles, Bangles And Beads

2. April In Paris

3. Blue Streak

4. Tippin’ On Thru

5. Bob Hurd’s Blues

Benny Golson (tenor sax)

Curtis Fuller (trombone)

Tommy Flanagan (piano)

Doug Watkins (bass)

Art Taylor (drums)

Recorded: December 23, 1959 Englewood Cliffs, NJ

AMG Review by Ken Dryden

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.