Jimmy Ponder - What's New (2005)

Guitarist Jimmy Ponder's trio date is very much in the style of the classic mid- to late-'60s soul-jazz sessions. His double-time version of "God Bless the Child" is a bit reminiscent of Richard "Groove" Holmes' hit version of "Misty," and the other standards are all interpreted with swing and soul. Ponder has an appealing sound that blends in well with organist Gene Ludwig and drummer Cecil Brooks III and results in accessible ensembles. Although few surprises occur, none are really needed, for this style of music always pleases organ fans and lovers of swinging soul-jazz. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG.

HighNote Records, HCD 7100, 2005

Recorded 5^th August, 2002 At Anything Audio Multimedia, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Musicians:

Jimmy Ponder - Guitar

Gene Ludwig - Organ

Cecil Brooks III - Drums

Tracks:

1. TNT {AC/DC} (4:39)

2. Polka Dots And Moonbeams {Jimmy Van Heusen, Johnny Burke} (7:17)

3. God Bless The Child {Billie Holiday, Arthur Herzog, Jr.} (7:57)

4. Besamé Mucho {Consuelo Velázquez} (7:15)

5. Please Give Me Someone To Love {Percy Mayfield} (7:38)

6. What's New {Bob Haggart, Johnny Burke} (9:28)

7. That's All {Alan Brandt, Bob Haymes} (9:21)

Credits:

Producer - Cecil Brooks III

Executive Producer - Joe Fields

Engineer - Dino DiStefano

Photography, Design - Keiji Obata, Littlefield & Co.

Portrait - Kaufmanns Studio

Liner Notes - Larry Hollis

Sonny Stitt - Night Letter (1969) [vinyl>true flac]

A more soulful date, particularly on the gorgeous ballads When It's Sleepy Time Down South and Pretend. ~ Jazzwax.com

Fine, although a bit routine, soul jazz, blues, ballads, and standards session from saxophonist Sonny Stitt. He plays with the usual surging intensity, but the album doesn't have as much excitement as similar dates done before and after it. ~ by Ron Wynn, AMG.

The group may initially sound routine but on closer inspection with Pat Martino onboard the group excels; he puts in a fine performance. In the end the listener must conclude Stitt’s ability to deliver a rich ballad. A prestige classic that is much recommended.

Prestige Records, PR 7759, 1969

Recorded 27th October, 1969 at Rudy van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Track Listing:

A1. Night Letter {Sonny Stitt} (5:14)

A2. When It's Sleepy Time Down South {Clarence Muse, Otis Rene, Leon René} (4:06)

A3. Stringin' The Jug {Gene Ammons, Sonny Stitt, Richard Carpenter} (5:23)

A4. Pretend {Dan Belloc, Lew Douglas, Cliff Parman, Frank LaVere} (3:49)

B1. Blue String {Sonny Stitt} (6:21)

B2. You'll Never Know {Harry Warren, Mack Gordon} (4:03)

B3. Loose Walk [Stitts Tune] {Johnny Richards, Sonny Stitt} (5:58)

Personnel:

Sonny Stitt - Tenor Saxophone, Varitone

Gene Ludwig - Organ

Pat Martino - Guitar

Randy Gelispie - Drums

Credits:

Producer - Bob Porter

Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder

Liner Notes - Ralph Berton