Benny Golson plays Benny Golson

Few musicians have had careers that span the history of post-war jazz as comprehensively as saxophonist, composer and songwriter Benny Golson.This remarkable man has been an important figure in jazz for over six decades: writer of jazz standards, author of film music and soloist of great finesse. Having played with jazz legends including Dizzy Gillespie and Benny Goodman, he continues to astonish audiences with performances that are praised for their “vibrant” improvisation.

The SNJO is privileged to welcome Benny as their special guest. Together, they will explore his jazz legacy and celebrate his music that defies the march of time.

There are few working musicians whose careers span the history of post war jazz quite as comprehensively as the life of jazz legend Benny Golson. Multi-talented and internationally famous as composer, arranger, lyricist, producer and tenor saxophonist of world note, Benny has composed for everyone imaginable including Basie, Hampton, Goodman, Gillespie, Coltrane, and Miles Davis.

Benny is most revered for his major contribution to the world of jazz, literally redefining the term “jazz” and adding to the jazz repertoire with no less than eight standards including I Remember Clifford, Killer Joe and Whisper Not.

His prolific writing includes scores for hit TV series and films where his success in the arena of commercial music demonstrates the amenable side of serious jazz, and its ability to constantly inform the collective cultural experience.

Benny is also familiar as the central figure in the subplot in the  film “Terminal” with Tom Hanks who is seeking Benny’s autograph – the only one of the great jazz musicians featured in the iconic photo “A Great Day in Harlem” whose autograph his father failed to collect and once his reason for the journey.

Golson, now 86 years young, still tours regularly and the SNJO is honoured to welcome him to Scotland as together, they explore his music and jazz legacy.

concert dates

Scottish National Jazz Orchestra