Benny Golson Quartet at Jazz Standard, NYC, NY, USA

Jazz composer, arranger, band leader, saxophonist Benny Golson and his Quartet consisting of Emmet Cohen on piano, Buster Williams on bass, and Alvester Green on drums created a memorable evening of instrumental Jazz at Jazz Standard in New York, New York.

Benny Golson Quartet
Emmet Cohen, Benny Golson, Buster Williams, Alvester Green

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1929, Benny Golson has learned a thing or two when it comes to Jazz coming up the musical ranks playing along side some of the other Jazz giants including Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Earl Bostic, and Art Blakey to name but a few. He is an extensive composer and several of his compositions have become Jazz standards, and many of his compositions have been featured in films and on television.

On Saturday, January 27, 2018 we had the opportunity to catch the Benny Golson Quartet’s first set at Jazz Standard, part of a 4-night engagement at the club and loved the vibe. Benny Golson introduced the band as saying that they "travel around the world and that they speak the language that requires no translation – the music." The band opened the set with the Benny Golson song, Horizon Ahead, which was pure magic with its piano intro and sparkling notes.

Benny Golson Quartet
Emmet Cohen, Benny Golson, Buster Williams, Alvester Green

Next came the 1939 Billy Strayhorn song that became the signature song for the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Take The A Train, with Benny providing a funny story about the song before the band kicked it into high gear, and made it their own through some well-placed improv.

Another highlight of the evening was the Benny Golson song, I Remember Clifford, about the very talented jazz trumpeter Clifford Brown who died at the age of 25 in a car accident on the way to a gig, which had a wonderful saxophone intro before the rest of the band joined in. Extensively recorded, the song is an amazing tribute to a fellow musician.

With Jazz there is always improv, and the quartet featuring Benny Golsonon saxophone, Emmet Cohen on piano, Buster Williams on bass, and Alvester Greenon drums, created memorable highlights throughout the evening, including the 1947 song, Oh Devil Moon.

Live music should be about more than just the music, it should be an interchange of experiences to create a bit of musical magic for the moment, and when the artist tells his backstory it always makes the music more interesting, and with Benny Golson, the Jazz Standard audience got that in abundance with Benny sharing stories of his past and the music they were creating. Besides being a master saxophonist, composer, arranger, and bandleader, Benny is also a master storyteller and the stories he told will long be fondly remembered. A cold winter Saturday night in New York City at Jazz Standard listening to one of the Jazz greats, it does not get much better than that.

Benny Golson Quartet
Emmet Cohen, Benny Golson, Buster Williams, Alvester Green

"Jazz Standard presents an extraordinary line-up of world-classartists, warm hospitality, pitch-perfect sound, comfortable seating — and earlier sets so you can drop in after work. From classic jazz to funk, R&B, blues, and more. Jazz standard brings you the legendary artists of today and the brightest stars of tomorrow."

"Jazz Standard presents two shows a night, one at 7:30pm and one at 9:30pm, seven days a week. Sometimes, we add an 11:30pm set on Fridays and Saturdays to accommodate high demand. All seats, whether reserved online, in person, or over the phone are first come first serve. Doors open at 6:15 pm for 7:30 pm performances and 9:00 pm for the 9:30 pm performances. We suggest thaty ou arrive at the club early to secure a seat and enjoy your meal with us. There is no strict age restriction at our venue. Well-behaved children are welcome. If you are worried about whether or not your child is ready to take in a performance, we suggest attending our Sunday "Jazz for Kids" performance instead."

Ticket prices vary by show, and there is never a minimum. ‘We do not have a senior discount. All tickets are five dollars off for students and members of the military who show valid ID. "Mingus Mondays" shows are half price for students."

Jazz Standard serves Blue Smoke’s award-winning barbecue complemented by specialty cocktails, beer, and wine. If you want to arrive early for the 9:30 pm show, have dinner or a drink upstairs at their restaurant, Blue Smoke, as the audience starts lining up at 8:45 pm at Jazz Standard as the doors open at 9:00 pm for the 9:30 pm show.

"Jazz Standard is located on the south side of East 27th Street between Park Avenue South and Lexington Avenue. There are many car garages in walking distance of Jazz Standard. Very limited metered on-street parking is available Monday-Saturday until 7:00pm on Lexington Avenue. There is no metered parking on Sundays. By Subway: Take the 6 train to 28th Street or N/R to 28th Street."

Please visit the website, www.JazzStandard.com for program information on upcoming performances. For tickets or information, please call: +1-212-576-2232.

Afew of the exciting upcoming shows at Jazz Standard:

Jazz Standard

116 East 27th Street (Between Lexington and Park Avenues)

New York, New York 10016

United States

Telephone: +1-212-576-2232

Email: info@JazzStandard.com

Website: www.JazzStandard.com

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/JazzStandard
@jazzstandardnyc

For upcoming Benny Golson performances, please visit the website: www.BennyGolson.com

For information on upcoming events and other performances, please visit the website: www.JazzStandard.com

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