Roland Kirk Quartet, Benny Golson Orchestra - The Roland Kirk Quartet Meets The Benny Golson Orchestra (1963)

The album features a collaboration between multi-instrumentalist Roland Kirk and an orchestra conducted by Benny Golson. The record is distinctly divided into two parts: the first side showcases big band aesthetics with lush arrangements, while the second side focuses on the stripped-back, intimate sound of Kirk’s quartet. The work is characterized by the contrast between grand orchestral scores and a detailed, natural sound highlighting deep double bass and Kirk’s virtuosic tenor saxophone performance. Although somewhat overlooked, the recording stands out for its superior mixing and exceptional musicianship.

Personnel

The Roland Kirk Quartet
Roland Kirk - tenor saxophone, manzello, stritch, flute, siren
Harold Mabern - piano (tracks 1–9)
Abdullah Rafik - bass (tracks 6–9)
Sonny Brown - drums (tracks 6–9)

The Benny Golson Orchestra (tracks 1–5)
Benny Golson - conductor, arranger
Richard Williams, Virgil Jones - trumpet
Charles Greenlee, Tom McIntosh - trombone
Don Butterfield - tuba
Richard Davis - bass
Albert Heath - drums

Tracklist:
1-1 Roland Kirk Quartet;Benny Golson Orchestra - Ecclusiastics [4:32]
1-2 Roland Kirk Quartet;Benny Golson Orchestra - By Myself [4:24]
1-3 Roland Kirk Quartet;Benny Golson Orchestra - A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square [5:17]
1-4 Roland Kirk Quartet;Benny Golson Orchestra - Roland Speaks [3:06]
1-5 Roland Kirk Quartet;Benny Golson Orchestra - Variations On A Theme Of Hindemith [3:31]
1-6 Roland Kirk Quartet;Benny Golson Orchestra - I've Got Your Number [5:57]
1-7 Roland Kirk Quartet;Benny Golson Orchestra - Between The Fourth And The Fifth Step [3:44]
1-8 Roland Kirk Quartet;Benny Golson Orchestra - April Morning [3:46]
1-9 Roland Kirk Quartet;Benny Golson Orchestra - Get In The Basement [4:06]
1-10 Roland Kirk Quartet;Benny Golson Orchestra - Abstract Improvisation [1:59]