SONNY STITT
12! (32 Jazz)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Sonny Stitt's playing and conception of solos is often likened to Charlie Parker. Early in his career this caused him to focus on his tenor, rather than alto, in order to distance himself from these comparisons. Another Stitt influence was Lester Young. However, Stitt was far more than a mere copier of Parker or Young.

On 12!, a 1972 recording recently re-released by 32 Jazz, Stitt plays both saxophones with an intensity and a passion that explodes with original ideas. On 5 standards and 2 blues, played within a bop framework, he is exemplary on alto and tenor. Stitt captures the essence of the blues on several songs and takes off like a one hundred mph fastball on the quicker pieces. Stitt is backed by the same band that he used on his earlier classics, Tune-up and Constellation - Barry Harris on piano, Sam Jones on bass, and Louis Hayes on drums. Listen to the man play on the Ellington ballad "I Got It Bad," or on the uptempo "The Night Has A Thousand Ideas" and you quickly realize that Sonny not only had much to say, he had the tools and style to say it well.

12! is outstanding music from one of the best saxophone players in jazz history. If you want to hear a mature Sonny Stitt towards the end of an illustrious career, this cd is highly recommended.

Track List:

12!; I Got It Bad; I Never Knew; Our Delight; The Night Has A Thousand Eyes; Blues At This Tempo; Every Tub.

© 2000 - Ron Saranich