GENE AMMONS & SONNY STITT
Left Bank Encores (Prestige)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Left Bank Encores is the companion disc to God Bless Jug And Sonny, a 2001 release of a live 1973 performance. Gene Ammons plays tenor saxophone on six of the seven tunes while Sonny Stitt plays tenor on five selections and alto on the other. Both Ammons and Stitt sit out for one number, allowing the stellar rhythm of Cedar Walton on piano, Sam Jones on bass, and Billy Higgens on drums to display their enormous talents. Finally, Etta Jones joins the group on vocals for two of the seven songs.

To be frank, though this music is enjoyable, it isn't quite up to the quality of God Bless Jug and Sonny. The singing of Jones distracts from the overall feel of the disc: it must have been an off night for her. There are plenty of good solos by Ammons and Stitt, who by this time had been playing together on and off for over twenty years. Stitt, in particular, sounded inspired. But this set lacks the overall fire of the prior disc. With all the great Ammons and Stitt currently available, I would start elsewhere in adding these two great saxophonists to your jazz collection. Those interested in hearing Ammons and Stitt live at the top of their game are advised to purchase either Boss tenors - Straight Ahead From Chicago 1961 or the previously mentioned God Bless Jugs And Sonny.

© 2002 - Ron Saranich