That's Funky

Amazon.com
This session harkens back to Golson's pivotal role in the 1958 edition of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, when the tenor saxophonist was helping to mold the classic form of the hard-bop quintet. In fact, it was Golson, as musical director, who really defined the Messengers' ethos and sound. He was also the man who introduced Blakey to those other young Philadelphians, trumpeter Lee Morgan and pianist Bobby Timmons. He's joined here by another significant voice of the style, trumpeter Nat Adderley in one of his last recording sessions before passing away in early 2000, and a first-rate rhythm section made up of younger veterans: pianist Monty Alexander, bassist Ray Drummond, and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith. The band pumps vigorous life into tunes that helped define hard bop and soul jazz--Golson's "Blues March," Adderley's "Work Song," Timmons's "Moanin,'" and Morgan's "Sidewinder"--as well as two versions of Kurt Weill's "Mack the Knife," one funky, one boppish. It's a band that's both hard driving and playful, from Alexander's reggae touches to Drummond quoting "Wade in the Water" during his solo on "Moanin'." The inspiration shows in Golson's solos, from coiling, quicksilver bop to the deeply felt blues he serves up on his new tune "Mississippi Windows." --Stuart Broomer

Product Description
Benny Golson and his all-star cohorts capture the heart of funk in this stirring session. Golson has put together a menu of tunes that represent some of jazz-funk's greatest hits and finest moments of the twentieth century.

That's Funky

That's Funky,Benny Golson,Arkadia Jazz,Hard Bop,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop

Jazz Music: