Cumberland Jazz Collective - solos from Killer Joe

Killer Joe – Benny Golson | Flugelhorn Solo by Jeff White

This performance of Killer Joe features flugelhorn soloist Jeff White, bringing his warm, lyrical approach to one of the most beloved standards in the jazz canon. Written by legendary saxophonist and composer Benny Golson, Killer Joe has become a must-know tune for jazz musicians and listeners alike—a cool, bluesy groove that’s instantly recognizable from the first few notes.

About “Killer Joe”
First recorded in 1960 and later popularized on Benny Golson’s 1960 album Meet the Jazztet, Killer Joe has stood the test of time as a staple of both small-group jazz and big band repertoire. Its medium-tempo swing, memorable two-note riff, and sophisticated harmonic structure make it a favorite at jam sessions, on bandstands, and in classrooms around the world. Unlike blisteringly fast bebop numbers, Killer Joe invites listeners into its laid-back, sophisticated groove—something Golson himself described as “sly and easy, but with an unmistakable sense of swing.”

The tune’s structure is deceptively simple: a repeated melodic phrase over a blues-inspired progression, layered with subtle harmonic twists. This makes it accessible to beginners while offering endless creative possibilities for improvisers. Over the decades, it’s been recorded by countless artists, including Quincy Jones, Art Farmer, and countless university and high school jazz ensembles.

About Benny Golson
Born January 25, 1929, in Philadelphia, Benny Golson is one of the most respected figures in jazz history—a tenor saxophonist, composer, arranger, and educator whose work has shaped the sound of modern jazz. As a composer, Golson has given us classics such as Along Came Betty, I Remember Clifford, Stablemates, Whisper Not, and of course, Killer Joe. His compositions have been performed by legends including Art Blakey, Miles Davis, and Dizzy Gillespie, and he is one of the few jazz artists to have written standards that are both harmonically sophisticated and widely beloved.

Golson co-founded the Jazztet with trumpeter Art Farmer in 1959, a group known for its polished arrangements and accessible yet deeply musical repertoire. Beyond his performing career, Golson has worked extensively in television and film scoring, bringing his compositional skill to mainstream audiences. His influence as an educator and clinician has touched generations of musicians worldwide. In 1995, he was named a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master, one of the highest honors in American jazz.

About Jeff White – Flugelhorn Soloist
In this video, flugelhornist Jeff White brings a personal and melodic interpretation to Killer Joe, blending a deep respect for the tradition with his own expressive voice. Jeff’s warm tone and phrasing on the flugelhorn highlight the tune’s laid-back groove while adding a fresh, lyrical quality.

Jeff’s studies have connected him to some of the finest trumpet voices in jazz. He has studied with Brad Goode, known for his technical brilliance and harmonic sophistication; Rick Steffen, respected for his orchestral and jazz versatility; Gerard Presencer, internationally acclaimed for his flugelhorn and trumpet artistry; Vance Thompson, celebrated as both a performer and founder of the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra; Chicago jazz musician Lloyd B. King; and has taken private lessons with iconic jazz trumpeter Bobby Shew, Memphis-area trumpeter Scott Thompson, and others.

This diverse mentorship has given Jeff a rich palette of influences—from bebop to modern jazz phrasing, from orchestral precision to the subtleties of ballad playing—all of which inform his performance here. His tone, articulation, and improvisational ideas reflect years of dedication to both the instrument and the jazz tradition.

Why “Killer Joe” Endures
More than just a song, Killer Joe is a cultural touchstone in jazz—a piece that’s taught, played, and loved in nearly every corner of the jazz world. It’s a tune that invites players to relax into the pocket, focus on sound and phrasing, and connect with listeners on a personal level. Benny Golson’s gift was creating music that is sophisticated yet approachable, making Killer Joe equally at home in a late-night club set or a first-year jazz combo class.