JAMMING WITH A GIANT

       The world's greatest living jazz composer had every right to hog the Bangkok limelight. But that's not Benny Golson's style
       A joint effort between King Power and Platinum Marketing and Distribution, "Benny Golson: The Real Jazz Live in Bangkok 2009" brought a true jazz legend back to Thailand for the first time in 15 years.
       Golson has obviously kept in touch with developments on the Thai jazz scene: he didn't bother bringing his own backing for the show at Aksra Theatre, preferring the expertise of local musicians. Den "Danny" Euprasert took piano duty while Naphat Piriyakitsarun was on drums. On bass, though, was leading Dutch composer and arranger Joris Teepe who's worked with jazz greats like Randy Brecker and Rashied Ali.
       Golson, now 80, played in the bands of Benny Goodman, Dizzy Gillespie and Art Blakey, so it was no surprise to see a huge turnout of local jazz fans and musician keen to see one of the "immortals" play. Among the crowd were Sopchai Kraiyoonsen, Thanakorn Posananonda, Thanaphorn Palakawong na Ayudhya and MR Srikhamrung Yugala.
       Most were there to hear Golson compositions that carved a place in jazz history (he's written eight standards - more than any other living musician).
       The tenor-sax man left no one disappointed, blowing through 10 tunes that define his career. Between each, he entertained fans with anecdotes and a wry sense of humour, showing why he's known as an all-round entertainer.
       The repertoire ranged in emotion from sombre to rollicking, but things were mostly on the up side, reflecting the vibrant times of his early career in hometown Philadelphia, where he composed some of his classics while playing with John Coltrane and Jimmy Health.
       Due to a downpour, many fans including this reviewer showed up late. I managed to get there for the third tune, "Along came Betty", which instantly struck a chord with the audience. Despite getting on in years, Golson launched into the swinging rhythm with gusto. the stamina he showed was probably down to disciplined daily practice sessions that last up to an hour or more. A couple of the passages were lungbusters,though, and it was no surprise he needed to pause for breath.
       Step forward bassist Teepe with pianist Den "Danny" (Rangsit University lecturer and Thailand's latest Silpathorn Award recipient in music) and Naphat (also a Rangsit lecturer and the country's leading jazz drummer). They did an excellent job, providing faultless accompaniment and adding their own distinctive groove to the jazz giant's originality.
       "I'm not a good saxophone player," said Golson, taking modesty a little too far (he's awesome). "But they [the back-up musicians] make me sound very good. I should take them back to Manhattan with me!"
       Soon after came the poignant "I Remember Clifford", a track dedicated to a friend who was killed in a car accident, followed by the lively "Take A Train".
       Retreating for a break, Golson left the stage to the back-up trio and "How Deep is the Ocean". Sweet and smooth, the gentle, deep rhythm seemed to transport the crowd to a smoky jazz dive in New York.
       Their chance to shine individually came during "Stablemates", with each musician taking turns for a solo. Naphat cut loose, his stop-start, crescendo-building rhythms stealing the show.
       For a finale, Golson served up his timeless classic "Whisper Not", with talented jazz singer Bharavee Sombatsiri appearing at the mike in a black ruffled dress. It was the only song of the night, and Bharavee's soulful vocals won thunderous spplause from the crowd, joined by Golson himself.
       Back onstage for an encore, Golson stepped like an infantryman to the martial rhythms of "Blues March". He was showing signs of fatigue by this stage but soldiered on to wrap up the evening with a confident flourish.
       The audience took away memories that will last.
       Rather than a concert that focused exclusively on a big star, at times it felt like a thrilling jam session with a jazz legend thrown in. Self-effacing and above all generous, it seems that Golson enjoys company in the spotlight.

       "Rollicking melodies reflected the vibrant times of his early career in hometown Philadelphia, where he composed some of his classics while playing with John Coltrane and Jimmy Health.