Take a Number from 1 to 10 is an album by saxophonist Benny Golson, featuring performances recorded in late 1960 and early 1961 and originally released on the Argo label.[1]
Take a Number from 1 to 10 | ||||
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Studio album by Benny Golson | ||||
Released | 1961 | |||
Recorded | December 13 & 14, 1960 and April 11, 1961 Nola's Penthouse Sound Studio, New York City | |||
Genre | Jazz | |||
Length | 41:55 | |||
Label | Argo LP 684 | |||
Producer | Kay Norton | |||
Benny Golson chronology | ||||
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This was Golson's first recording as leader for Argo.[2]: 7 The concept for the album – start with a track of solo saxophone by Golson, then add one musician for each of the remaining tracks, finishing with ten for the final one – was that of producer Kay Norton.[2]: 7
The first seven tracks were recorded on December 13 and 14, 1960.[2]: 19 Golson begins on tenor saxophone with one chorus of "You're My Thrill".[2]: 7 "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" adds bassist Tommy Williams, who maintains the tempo while "matching Golson's intensity".[2]: 8 Drummer Albert Heath is added for a trio version of "The Best Thing for You Is Me"; then pianist Cedar Walton joins, becoming the fourth member of the Golson-Art Farmer-led band the Jazztet playing, for "Impromptune".[2]: 8 Trumpeter Freddie Hubbard plays on the medium tempo "Little Karin", which was named after Norton's daughter.[2]: 8 "Swing It" is a fast blues with Curtis Fuller on trombone added; the sextet with Fuller, Hubbard, and Walton presaged the 1961 version of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers.[2]: 8 Golson is the main soloist for the ballad "I Fall in Love Too Easily", which has Sahib Shihab added on baritone saxophone.[2]: 8
The personnel changed considerably for the final three tracks, recorded on April 11, 1961.[2]: 19 The octet that plays "Out of This World" consists of baritone saxophone, two tenor saxophones, trumpet, trombone, French horn, bass, and drums; they form rhythms that allow Golson to flow in and out of the harmonic structure of the composition.[2]: 8 A second trumpet is added for "The Touch"; and another, Farmer, completes the tentet for "Time".[2]: 8
Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
Allmusic | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The Allmusic review describes the album as "A gimmick record that transcends its novelty trappings [...] While the progressive sonic expansion is fascinating to behold, the small-group settings are no less impressive for their intimacy and nuance".[3]
All compositions by Benny Golson except as indicated
Benny Golson | |
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Studio albums |
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Cedar Walton | |
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Year(s) indicated are for the recording(s), not first release. | |
As leader or co-leader |
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As sideman with Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers |
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With Art Farmer (or where stated), Benny Golson & The Jazztet |
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With Eddie Harris |
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With Billy Higgins |
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With Milt Jackson |
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With Etta James |
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With Clifford Jordan |
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With Blue Mitchell |
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With Houston Person |
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With others |
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