Benny Golson: Killer Joe
Author: Peter Vacher
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Musicians: |
Barbara Ingram (background v) |
Label: |
Vocalion |
Magazine Review Date: |
May/2017 |
Catalogue Number: |
CDSML 8521 |
RecordDate: |
1977 |
Overly-heavy with percussion, freighted by vocals, and over-amplified, this was Golson's 1977 attempt to climb on the then-fashionable fusion bandwagon. The pieces are his, naturally enough, and it's his assertive soprano that soars over some of the tracks, carrying his themes. The rest is just murk. Recorded for Columbia, it featured a vast studio orchestra and was co-produced by Bobby Martin, a man whose background was in soul and R&B and its shows. Given Golson's solid career in jazz performance and his prowess as a composer, it's easy to see how he might have been seduced by Columbia's Bruce Lundvall's cash in tackling such an assignment and venturing into Earth Wind & Fire country. Happily, for his stylistic integrity, Golson saw the error of his ways and reverted to jazz, admitting, “I tried and it wasn't for me. I like that kind of music, but I don't have the know-how or acumen for it!” He was right. This is dross. Avoid.
Killer Joe
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