SONNY CRISS
The Imperial Sessions (Blue Note)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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The Complete Imperial Sessions, reissued this year as part of the Blue Note Connoisseur CD Series, contains all the music Criss originally recorded for Imperial Records in 1956. Of the 34 songs on these 2 discs, 5 are originals and the rest standards. Criss plays alto saxophone with 3 different bands. One group consists of Barney Kissel, guitar, Kenny Drew, piano, Bill Woodson, bass, and Chuck Thompson, drums. The second has Sonny Clark, piano, Leroy Vinnegar, and Lawrence Marable, drums. The final group is Larry Bunker, vibes, Sonny Clark, piano, Buddy Clark, bass, and Lawrence Marable, drums.

Criss began his professional music career on the West Coast, working with leaders such as Howard McGhee and Billy Eckstine. Initially patterning his alto playing on Charlie Parker, Criss eventually developed his own approach as he matured. On these recordings, reissued in the original mono, Criss employs a big tone that expresses a sense of urgency and intensity. Sounding in fine form throughout, Criss beautifully communicates his emotional mood. His band members, especially Sonny Clark and Kenny Drew on piano, are wonderfully attuned to Criss.

The All Music Guide writes concerning these sessions "These Imperial Sessions contained highly regarded performances of passionate blues, moving ballads, and energetic up-tempo pieces." This is a good summary of the Imperial Sessions. Just one small caveat, playing the two cd's one after another results in a lot of Sonny Criss, to the point that if one is not listening carefully, the songs begin to blend into each other. I recommend playing other music in between discs. This cd is a welcome addition to the Criss opus, and any fan of straight ahead bop can't go wrong in purchasing The Complete Imperial Sessions.

© 2000 - Ron Saranich