SONNY STITT & DON PATTERSON
The Boss Men (Prestige)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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The Boss Men is a 2001 two-fer release by Prestige that combines the 1965 Stitt album Night Crawler with Patterson's The Boss Men from the same year (along with two additional songs from a 1964 session). All the tunes feature Sonny Stitt on alto saxophone, except the two 1964 tracks which showcase Stitt on tenor, Don Patterson on organ, and Billy James on drums. The music is straight ahead jazz with a tinge of hot soul-jazz.

Stitt, as always, plays with the passion, melodic inventiveness, and swinging tastefulness one expects from such a consummate professional. Its wonderful to hear him dedicate considerable time to his alto, since Stitt had virtually mothballed the instrument in response to earlier criticism that he sounded too much like Charlie Parker. Here, his tone is clear and masterful. Patterson, a great compliment to Stitt, is one funky organist. James drives the group without overpowering the session.

My favorite numbers are "All God's Chillun Got Rhythm," "Tangerine," "Star Eyes," and "Who Can I Turn To." Stitt is hot throughout, never wasting notes. Take, for instance, his approach to "Who Can I Turn To." In lesser hands, this song reeks of trite sentimentality. However, Stitt imparts an emotional integrity to the tune that transcends banality. I found myself humming the melody long after the song was over, something the countless other versions failed to make me do.

Fans of sax-organ combos will love this album. There's lots of great riffs, evocative solos, and funky beats. The Boss Men is a worthy addition to the Stitt catalogue.

Track List:

All God's Chillun Got Rhythm, Answering Service, Tangerine, Night Crawler, Who Can I Turn To?, Star Eyes, Diane, Someday My Prince Will Come, Easy To Love, What's New?, Big C's Rock, They Say It's Wonderful, Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone, 42639.

© 2001 - Ron Saranich