Jack McDuff Big Band - Prelude

"Successful match of McDuff's small-combo organ jazz with big band arrangements by Benny Golson. The blend was well-executed, never fighting with or drowning out McDuff's organ. McDuff wrote about half the material, and while Golson was responsible for just one number, it's the standout title track, "Prelude". That nine-minute piece moves from an opening of almost classical orchestrated grand solemnity to a slow-bopping section dwelling on McDuff's mourning organ. Nothing else on the album matches it, but the rest is pretty good, sometimes leading off with other Golson orchestrations; A very young George Benson gets a chance to steal the solo spotlight for a bit in "Dig Cousin Will." The 2003 CD reissue of the album more than doubles its length with 11 bonus tracks, all taken from 1964-1966 sessions (originally released on five different LPs) which were either arranged and conducted by Golson, or featured Benny Golson's Big Band as players." (Richie Unterberger, Allmusic)