SONNY CRISS
Portrait Of Sonny Criss (Original Jazz Classics)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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"Smile" is one of those songs one hears countless times, to the point one stops heeding the version that's currently playing. When Sonny Criss began the opening chorus of his version unaccompanied on his alto saxophone, I was compelled to listen. Simply put, the man was pouring his heart out; this was passion in action and I was mesmerized. When was the last time you felt yourself under such a spell?

Portrait of Sonny Criss, recorded in 1967, contains an additional five songs besides "Smile." All of them have that urgent, seeking quality that marked Criss' alto playing. Criss, who seemed made for interpreting ballads, plays five here, plus a scorching version of the bop classic "Wee." There's not a weak number in the lot. Criss was joined for this session by Walter Davis on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Alan Dawson on drums.

It appears as if Criss was driven by personal demons for most of his life. He was only 50 when he committed suicide. Perhaps music was a way to soothe the demons' demands. Hear for yourself. This is his self-portrait. Feel his urgency. He had a lot to say in a short time frame. Highly recommended.

Track List:

A Million Or More Times; Wee; God Bless The Child; On A Clear Day; Blues In The Closet; Smile

© 2001 - Ron Saranich