Also this issue: Billy the Kidder Will Oldham is being difficult. -A.D. Amorosi Time and Tide Jon Langford talks about death and going it alone. -Sam Adams HearHere -Patrick Rapa Sam Jayne, Sam Beam, James Mercer -Chris Parker Miguel Zenón Quartet -Kyle Parker The 90 Day Men -Paul Burress Erykah Badu -Elisa Ludwig Joe Strummer/Clash Tribute -A.D. Amorosi

January 30-February 5, 2003

musicpicks

Benny Golson Quartet

Benny Golson enjoyed the mixed blessing of emerging as a Philadelphia tenor just as homeboy John Coltrane was hitting his stride. There's more than a touch of Trane in Golson's playing, as the two heavies shared a common bond in rhythm and blues. But where the better-known sax man soared off into modal bliss, Golson mostly stayed on the post-bop path, with equally praiseworthy results. He helped define the sound of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers (the lineup that turned in Moanin', on Blue Note), and co-founded the Messenger-like Jazztet, with trumpeter Art Farmer. He wrote dozens of be-bop anthems, among them "Stablemates," "Whisper Not" and the haunting "I Remember Clifford." And, most impressively, he hasn't rested on his laurels over the years. He still blows a gruff, Lucky Thompson-inspired tenor saxophone, rough around the edges but with a tender core -- and he hasn't stopped pushing ahead.

Sat., Feb. 1, 8 p.m., Sedgwick Cultural Center, 7137 Germantown Ave., 215-248-9229. Reception, 5-6 p.m., with Benny Golson, hosted by WRTI's Bob Perkins; proceeds benefit young jazz musicians in the Sedgwick Teen Jazz Workshop. Reception and concert, $30; concert only, $15-$18.

—Kyle Parker