Free is an album by saxophonist Benny Golson recorded in late 1962 and originally released on the Argo label.^[1]

Pianist Tommy Flanagan had played with Golson before; bassist Ron Carter was selected to provide a different approach for the leader; and drummer Art Taylor was a replacement for Philly Joe Jones, who was due to play, but did not go to the studio.^[2]

In the November 7, 1963 issue of Down Beat magazine, critic Harvey Pekar awarded the album 5 stars and said that "Golson's improvising is outstanding; I doubt that he's ever before played as consistently well on record."^[3]

The Allmusic review states, "Golson's last album as a leader in which he plays in his Don Byas/Lucky Thompson style (he would soon become a fulltime arranger and, by the time he led his next playing date in 1977, Golson's sound was quite a bit different) finds him in top form".^[4] Writing in 2004, critic Bob Blumenthal commented that the album "remains among the highlights of his recording career".^[2]

More information Review scores, Source ...

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Down Beat	[3]
Allmusic	[4]

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All compositions by Benny Golson except as indicated

1. "Sock Cha Cha" (Will Davis) – 7:10
2. "Mad About the Boy" (Noël Coward) – 7:15
3. "Just by Myself" – 5:45
4. "Shades of Stein" – 4:30
5. "My Romance" (Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers) – 7:30
6. "Just in Time" (Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Jule Styne) – 5:55