Jazz legend Benny Golson swung through a set of his most notable compositions in his typical understated, yet commanding style. Opening with the laid-back, mid-tempo swing “Horizon Ahead,” he allows his bandmates—Sharp Radway on piano, Hamilton Price on standup bass, Roy McCurdy on drums—to shine on extended solos, all framed by Golson’s melodic tenor sax. The 83-year-old has impeccable jazz credentials, cutting his teeth with the likes of Benny Goodman, Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, Earl Bostic and Art Blakey.

His compositions are tasteful, never showy or effusive. “Killer Joe” and “Along Came Betty” are perfect examples of his style. A superb ensemble composer, the numbers show his generosity with young, talented musicians. In an homage to pal John Coltrane, the quartet sizzled on “Mr. PC” and the room was rocking.

Golson then turned the stage over to jazz great Nnena Freelon. A six-time Grammy-nominated stylist, Freelon reinvents every song she tackles, making each sound refreshingly current. 1944’s “Stella by Starlight” and the Otto Harbach/Jerome Kern “Yesterdays” are given new life in her expressive hands. “Skylark” is strong and assertive, yet subtle and fluid. Her interpretation of “You’ve Changed” takes the original blueprint and rebuilds it, Freelon style, with impeccable phrasing and inventive intonations. The woman breathes the feeling of the lyric from deep within and it’s always a pleasure to watch her ply her craft.

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
April 11, 2012
www.cabaretscenes.org