SONNY STITT
Low Flame (Prestige)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Another entry in the Legends Of Acid Jazz twofer series, Low Flame offers up Sonny Stitt's 1962 Jazzland release Low Flame and the 1964 Prestige album Shangri-La in a single package. That's particularly appropriate with these two albums because the lineups are identical, with the exception being the absence of guitarist Paul Weeden on the later cuts. Other than that, it's Stitt trading off between alto and tenor sax with Don Patterson on organ and Billy James on drums. The players were a regular gigging as well as recording unit and the resulting tightness born of familiarity shows throughout the 14 cuts collected here.

Because of the presence of the organ, it might be tempting to shunt this one off into the soul jazz slot, but there's a lot more here than that tag usually implies. There's plenty of blues feeling, but Sonny Stitt invariably hews closer to bop than funk. Still, whatever you call it, soul jazz, acid jazz or martian music, anything that gets Sonny Stitt's talent in front of more people is a good thing. If you're a fan, this is a great way to round out your collection. If you've yet to have had the pleasure, this is a fine place to make the acquaintance of Sonny Stitt's saxophone.

Track List:

Low Flame * Put Your Little Foot Right Out * Cynthia Sue * Donald Duck * Close Your Eyes * Silly Billy * Baby, Do You Ever Think Of Me * Fine And Dandy * My New Baby * Misty * Soul Food * Shangri-La * Mama Don't Allow * The Eternal One

© 2000 - Shaun Dale