SONNY PHILLIPS
My Black Flower (32 Jazz)
Reviewed by Steve Marshall

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A search on the web reveals little about Sonny Phillips. Scour the bins at your local record shop and maybe you'll dig up some old vinyl, but it's doubtful. Fortunately, the folks at 32Jazz have taken it upon themselves to reissue My Black Flower. Originally recorded in 1976 for the Muse label, the six tracks on this CD show in no uncertain terms, what a great and underrated talent Phillips is. The CD gets off to a great start with the Eddie Harris-penned classic, "Goin' Home." Phillips keeps the groove firmly in place and the track features tasteful leads from guitarist Jimmy Ponder. One of Phillips' biggest influences on the organ is the great Jimmy Smith, and this song is a prime example. If you can sit still during this song, you better check your pulse. The title track is a change of pace-a solo piano piece, incorporating portions of the other original cuts on the album. All said, My Black Flower stands up well to repeated listens and makes a worthy addition to any jazz collection.

© 1999 - Steve Marshall