Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
Kandace Springs Sings Billie Holiday
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
Saxophonist Benny Golson dazzled fans in Paris at a recent concert.
(Photo: Oliver Rossberg)In early April, 88-year-old Benny Golson played two nights at the Duc des Lombards in Paris. It’s a significant event when you get to hear such a defining voice of modern jazz in an intimate setting, with some lucky fans seated merely feet from the bell of his tenor saxophone.
Like Jimmy Heath, who is three years older, Golson is part of the crew of Philadelphians who played a prominent role in shaping modern jazz as composers and arrangers. Departing from Broadway repertoire, they wrote their own songs and imagined new orchestral contexts to showcase their individual prowess.
Having honed his skills in the ranks of major orchestras led by the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and Lionel Hampton, Golson fully came to the fore as a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. It was then, in 1958, that his compositions—such as “Along Came Betty,” “Blues March” and “Are You Real?”—gained acclaim. They rejuvenated the songbook available for jazz musicians by offering actual jazz material and not showtunes.
Golson then co-led his own outfit, The Jazztet, with trumpeter Art Farmer from 1959 to 1962. He experienced a resurgence starting in the 1980s.
Hearing such a prominent figure in the flesh is always a moment to treasure. Golson has developed an intriguing tenor sound, making him a stylist of the ilk of Heath, Hank Mobley, Charlie Rouse, George Coleman and Booker Ervin. He has kept that sound eminently recognizable over the years.
With Antonio Faraò on piano, Gilles Naturel on bass and Doug Sides on drums, Golson treated his Duc des Lombards audience with a basketful of lovely tunes, including “Horizon Ahead,” “Whisper Not,” “Stablemates” and “I Remember Clifford.” There is something moving when you get to hear these historical gems by the man who penned them, as if you could actually travel in time and feel the presence of Clifford Brown, Miles Davis and all the artists who were around and helped inspire them.
An added pleasure of the performance was the presence of Sides, a veteran drummer who has played with Joe Henderson, Sonny Stitt, Blue Mitchell, Bobby Hutcherson, Hank Jones, Phil Woods and Johnny Griffin. Always a swinging player, he is both forceful and melodic, inventive and unobtrusive. A great soloist himself with showmanship and a knack for construction, he is a consummate stylist who brings musical zest to any situation.
Sides proved to be a perfect match for Golson’s consistently lyrical playing. Naturel (on bass) is a thoughtful, deep-toned accompanist who brought the no-nonsense support of a veteran player. Faraò shone with a sprightly touch and melodic approach, letting loose on “What Is This Thing Called Love?”
The warm and committed playing of the ensemble augmented the leader’s tender touch, with Sides pushing hard. It brought to the fore Golson’s congenial approach. It also enabled the audience to share in the uncanny experience of bringing back the masters of the past, evoked in Golson’s many vivid anecdotes, which were much appreciated by visitors, such as drummer John Betsch and pianist Kirk Lightsey, whose laughter accented the music with perfect timing in the friendly spirit of great jazz. DB
“There’s nothing quite like it,” Springs says of working with an orchestra. “It’s 60 people working in harmony in the moment. Singing with them is kind of empowering but also humbling at the same time.”
Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
James Brandon Lewis earned honors for Artist of the Year and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year. Three of his recordings placed in the Albums of the Year category.
Jul 17, 2025 12:44 PM
You see before you what we believe is the largest and most comprehensive Critics Poll in the history of jazz. DownBeat…
Galper was often regarded as an underrated master of his craft.
Jul 22, 2025 10:58 AM
Hal Galper, a pianist, composer and arranger who enjoyed a substantial performing career but made perhaps a deeper…
Chuck Mangione on the cover of the May 8, 1975, edition of DownBeat.
Jul 29, 2025 1:00 PM
Chuck Mangione, one of the most popular trumpeters in jazz history, passed away on July 24 at home in Rochester, New…
“Hamiet was one of the most underrated musicians ever,” says Whitaker of baritone saxophonist Hamiet Bluiett.
Jul 8, 2025 7:30 AM
At 56, Rodney Whitaker, professor of jazz bass and director of jazz studies at Michigan State University, is equally…
