Big City Sounds is an album by The Jazztet, led by trumpeter Art Farmer and saxophonist Benny Golson, featuring performances recorded in 1960 and originally released on the Argo label.[1]
"The Cool One" is a medium tempo piece by Golson that was intended to be a commercial success, as "Killer Joe" had been on the Jazztet's previous album, Meet the Jazztet.[2]: 4–5 "Blues on Down" is also by Golson, and was originally performed for his album The Modern Touch.[2]: 5 Golson added 16 written bars to the version of "Hi-Fly" recorded for Big City Sounds, which is faster than usual.[2]: 5 Farmer is the main feature on the jazz standard "My Funny Valentine".[2]: 5 "Wonder Why" has "a 36-bar, AABA'C form".[2]: 5 The Latin "Con Alma" also contains material added by Golson.[2]: 6 "Lament" is a feature for trombonist Tom McIntosh, while "Bean Bag" features pianist Cedar Walton.[2]: 6 The final track, "Five Spot After Dark", is a blues written by Golson when playing at New York's Five Spot.[2]: 6
