Turning Point (Benny Golson album)

Turning Point is a jazz album by saxophonist and composer Benny Golson, released in 1962 on the Mercury Records label. It is considered one of Golson's seminal works and a high point in his discography.

The album features a sextet comprising Golson on tenor saxophone, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, Cedar Walton on piano, Jymie Merritt on bass, and Albert "Tootie" Heath on drums. The interplay and arrangements showcase Golson's sophisticated compositional style, blending hard bop with elements of modal jazz.

Key tracks on Turning Point include the title track, a blues-infused piece, and "Stablemates," a well-known Golson composition that has become a jazz standard. The album is notable for its strong ensemble playing, individual solos, and the overall cohesiveness of the group. The harmonic depth and melodic inventiveness of Golson's writing contribute to the album's enduring appeal. The album is lauded for its balance of accessible melodies and complex improvisational passages. Turning Point has been reissued multiple times and remains a highly regarded album in the jazz canon.