Benny Golson is in terrific form throughout this compilation, which draws from three of
Benny Golson's earlier CDs for Arkadia Jazz (though oddly omitting any music from
Up Jumped Benny), listing personnel but not giving any recording dates. A reunion with his old
Jazztet bandmates
Art Farmer and
Curtis Fuller features new versions of two of the band's staples,
Golson's hit "Killer Joe" and "Along Came Betty," with superb solos and ensemble work.
Golson trades choruses with
Branford Marsalis in a dreamy setting of "Body and Soul," while cornetist
Nat Adderley provides a foil for the leader in "Work Song" and a decidedly funky setting of "Mack the Knife." But the biggest treat for
Golson's fans is the addition of four previously unissued tracks, all quartet numbers. The tenor saxophonist is pared with
Mulgrew Miller,
Buster Williams, and
Carl Allen for a lush, subtle take of "Mood Indigo" and a jaunty "Don't Get Around Much Anymore." The rhythm section switches to
Mike LeDonne,
Dwayne Burno and
Joe Farnsworth for a snappy take of
John Coltrane's infrequently performed "Syeeda's Song Flute" and a delicate interpretation of the leader's ballad "Touch Me Lightly." Even if one already owns 60-percent of this compilation on
Golson's earlierArkadia Jazz releases, it is still worth the investment. ~ Ken Dryden