Big City Sounds

"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

The Allmusic review awarded the album 3 stars.[3]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[3]

All compositions by Benny Golson except as indicated

1. "The Cool One" – 3:02
2. "Blues on Down" – 6:03
3. "Hi-Fly" (Randy Weston) – 5:50
4. "My Funny Valentine" (Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers) – 4:33
5. "Wonder Why" (Sammy Cahn) – 5:54
6. "Con Alma" (Dizzy Gillespie) – 5:00
7. "Lament" (J. J. Johnson) – 3:31
8. "Bean Bag" – 4:53
9. "Five Spot After Dark" – 3:18

• Art Farmer – trumpet
• Benny Golson – tenor saxophone
• Tom McIntosh – trombone
• Cedar Walton – piano
• Tommy Williams – bass
• Albert Heath – drums