The Golson of the fifties could do very good imitations of Lucky Thompson and John Coltrane, but had nothing of his own to offer. After dropping playing for arranging for the best part of two decades, his comeback brings a genuinely personal new voice to bop tenor, still clearly influenced by Trane, but also marked by the measured stoicism of later Lester Young.
Blessed with a rhythm section which plays a straightahead 4/4 for all but the last two tracks, and which is not afraid to swing, Golson uses a much less obtrusive vibrato than with Art Blakey a year later, and commands respect and attention throughout. A favourable solo impression is also made by pianist Bill Mays, bassist Bob Magnusson, and especially Curtis Fuller, who sounds much more comfortable than on other recent records, and is veering away from the J J Johnson influence towards the alternative, more legato, style of bop trombone exemplified by Jimmy Knepper.
Golson’s themes are still dull, though the title tune is a pleasant essay in the long-lined Mingus manner, but his playing is now a force to be reckoned with.
Discography
One More Mem’ry; Out Of The Past; Sweetness (23.48) – Five Spot After Dark; Touch Me Lightly; Sad To Say; Once Again (23.23)
Curtis Fuller (tmb); Benny Golson (tnr); Bill Mays (p); Bob Magnusson (b); Roy McCurdy (d). LA, 19 & 20/8/81.
(Timeless SJP 180)
