Free is an album by saxophonist Benny Golson recorded in late 1962 and originally released on the Argo label.Benny Golson discography accessed June 27, 2012
Background Pianist Tommy Flanagan had played with Golson before; bassist Ron Carter was selected to provide a different approach for the leader; and drummer Art Taylor was a replacement for Philly Joe Jones, who was due to play, but did not go to the studio.
Reception In the November 7, 1963 issue of Down Beat magazine, critic Harvey Pekar awarded the album 5 stars and said that "Golson's improvising is outstanding; I doubt that he's ever before played as consistently well on record."Down Beat: November 7, 1963 Vol. 30, No. 29
The Allmusic review states, "Golson's last album as a leader in which he plays in his Don Byas/Lucky Thompson style (he would soon become a fulltime arranger and; by the time he led his next playing date in 1977, Golson's sound was quite a bit different) finds him in top form."Ankeny, J. Allmusic Review accessed June 27, 2012 Writing in 2004, critic Bob Blumenthal commented that the album "remains among the highlights of his recording career."Blumenthal, Bob (2004) In The Complete Argo/Mercury Art Farmer/Benny Golson/Jazztet Sessions [CD liner notes]. p. 15. Mosaic.
Track listing All compositions by Benny Golson except as indicated "Sock Cha Cha" (Will Davis) – 7:10 "Mad About the Boy" (Noël Coward) – 7:15 "Just by Myself" – 5:45 "Shades of Stein" – 4:30 "My Romance" (Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers) – 7:30 "Just in Time" (Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Jule Styne) – 5:55
Personnel Musicians Benny Golson – tenor saxophone Tommy Flanagan – piano Ron Carter – bass Art Taylor – drums
Production Esmond Edwards – production Rudy Van Gelder – recording engineering
References