Sonny Stitt - Featuring Howard McGhee (1967,61)

A concise compilation of works by two master jazz artists: Sonny Stitt and Howard McGhee. The tracks chosen are taken from two excellent 'Black Lion' releases arising out of two separate sessions; the first one held in Zürich from 1967 and the second held in New York City in 1961. Howard McGhee is featured on all tracks and six are his own compositions. The great altoist Sonny Stitt is joined by trumpet great Howard McGhee on the first half of the album along with pianist Walter Bishop, Jr., bassist Tommy Potter and drummer Kenny Clarke. For the second half of the album Howard McGhee takes over with his quintet comprising of tenorist Georg Coleman, pianist Junior Mance, bassist George Tucker and drummer Jimmy Cobb. All tunes are strong derivatives of bop and all players are at the top of their game. Many enthusiasts if they haven't done so beforehand will search out the original albums: Night Work & Shades Of Blue, Well Recommended! 

Jazz Life, 2473242, 1988
Recorded 18th October, 1967 (#1,2,4-6) at Turicop Studios, Zürich, Switzerland;
8th December, 1961 (#3,7-10) at Stea-Phillips Studios, New York City 

Musicians:
Sonny Stitt - Alto Saxophone (#1,2,4-6)
Howard McGhee - Trumpet (#1-10)
George Coleman - Tenor Saxophone (#3,7-10)
Walter Bishop, Jr. - Piano (#1,2,4-6)
Tommy Potter - Double Bass (#1,2,4-6)
Kenny Clarke - Drums (#1,2,4-6)
Junior Mance - Piano (#3,7-10)
George Tucker - Double Bass (#3,7-10)
Jimmy Cobb - Drums (#3,7-10) 

Tracks:
01. Night Work {Howard McGhee} (7:26)
02. Matter Horns {Eiger, Jungfrau} (10:43)
03. Shades Of Blue {Howard McGhee} (5:05)
04. Don't Blame Me {Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh} (4:06)
05. Lover Man [Oh Where Can You Be] {Davis, Sherman, Ramirez} (5:15)
06. Hello {Howard McGhee} (6:50)
07. The Sharp Edge {Howard McGhee} (5:56)
08. Cool {Howard McGhee} (2:55)
09. The Day After {Tom McIntosh} (2:06)
10. Topside {Howard McGhee} (4:21) 

Total Time: 54:49 

Producer - Alan Bates
#1,2,4-6
Sonny Stitt - Night Work [Black Lion Records - BLP-307]
#3,7-10
Howard McGhee - Shades Of Blue  [Black Lion Records - BL-305] 

Matter Horns

Various Artists - The History Of Chess Jazz (1996)

History of Chess Jazz is a double-disc set featuring highlights from the label's overlooked jazz catalog. Among the artists included are Kenny Burrell, Woody Herman, Ramsey Lewis, Etta James, Ahmad Jamal, and Zoot Sims. Jazz wasn't one of Chess' strong points, but there is plenty of fine music here, making it a worthwhile sampler. ~ by Stephen Thomas Erlewine, AMG. 

Chess Records, GRD-2-812, 1996
Recorded May, 1950 - April, 1967 

Tracklist: 

CD1:
01. Ahmad Jamal - Poinciana {Buddy Bernier, Nat Simon} (9:31)
02. Sonny Stitt, Bennie Green - My Main Man {Bennie Green, Sonny Stitt} (5:59)
03. Red Rodney - Shaw 'Nuff {Ray Brown, Gil Fuller, Dizzy Gillespie} (6:36)
04. The Jazztet - Killer Joe (Benny Golson} (4:14)
05. Zoot Sims - The Man I Love {George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin} (5:16)
06. Roland Kirk - Soul Station {Rahsaan Roland Kirk} (5:28)
07. James Moody, Eddie Jefferson - Parker's Mood {Eddie Jefferson, Charlie Parker} (3:24)
08. Woody Herman - Keep On Keepin' On {Richard Evans} (4:19)
09. Ray Bryant - Gotta Travel On {Paul Clayton, Larry Ehrlich, Dave Lazer, Tom Six} (4:24)
10. Benny Goodman - Benny Rides Again {Eddie Sauter} (4:33)
11. John Klemmer - My Love Has Butterfly Wings {John Klemmer} (3:53)
12. Etta James - At Last {Mack Gordon, Harry Warren} (3:00)
13. Ramsey Lewis - The "In" Crowd {Billy Page} (5:50) 

Time: 66:32 

CD2:
01. Barry Harris - Ornithology {Benny Harris, Charlie Parker} (3:32)
02. James Moody - Last Train From Overbrook {James Moody} (3:03)
03. Gene Ammons - My Foolish Heart {Ned Washington, Victor Young} (2:48)
04. Lorez Alexandria - Baltimore Oriole {Hoagy Carmichael, Paul Francis Webster} (3:11)
05. Oliver Nelson - A Bientot {Billy Taylor} (3:48)
06. Yusef Lateef - Morning [Excerpt] {Yusef Lateef, Sandy Owen} (3:14)
07. Odell Brown - Mellow Yellow {Donovan} (5:28)
08. Art Farmer - Tonk {Ray Bryant} (3:05)
09. Illinois Jacquet - You're My Thrill {Jay Gorney, Burton Lane, Ned Washington} (3:50)
10. Howard McGhee - House Warnin' {Marshall Pau, Paul Winley} (2:31)
11. Chubby Jackson - Tiny's Blues {Al Cohn, Tiny Kahn} (5:01)
12. Clark Terry - Candy {Mack David, Alex Kramer, Joan Whitney} (2:23)
13. Benny Golson - The Touch {Benny Golson} (5:19)
14. Kenny Burrell - Silent Night {Franz Gruber, Joseph Mohr} (2:35) 

Time: 49:54 

Total Time: 01:56:26

Various Artists - Jazz For When You're Alone (1999)

The 32 Jazz label, under the leadership of Joel Dorn, continues to release compilations designed to fit a particular mood or state of being. Thus, there have been albums as Jazz for a Rainy Afternoon, Groove Jammy, and Songs That Made the Phone Light Up. Now we have an album dedicated to being alone, not loneliness as Dorn explains his liner notes. But with this play list, the line between the two gets really blurred. Whatever, this is a comprehensive collection of tracks by the top jazz luminaries for albums they cut for the now defunct Muse label and all of them are outstanding regardless of the mood you're in. The Sonny Stitt performance of "Sweet and Lovely" is one of the album's highlights as his sax works in, out, under, and through the piano of Duke Jordan and Sam Jones' bass. The credits list Stitt playing a soprano, but it's the alto he has in his hands for introspective blowing of this classic standard. Wallace Roney is the ostensible leader on "Lost." But his Miles Davis-like trumpet is subordinated to the classical oriented piano of Jacky Terrasson who penned this song. Donald Byrd, sounding even more like Miles than Roney, is united with Joe Henderson for a ruminative rendering of his "That's all There Is to Love." A memorable track is Houston Person's "Everything Happens to Me." Not only does Person's Ben Webster influenced tenor fit nicely with the tune's theme, but there's major soloing by Cecil Bridgewater's muted trumpet and the under recorded Stan Hope piano. The quintessential "alone" song, Thelonious Monk's "'Round Midnight," has been assigned to major electric guitar improviser Larry Coryell who gets considerable assistance along the way from Stanley Cowell's piano. Phil Woods creates a vision of a summer ending with "The Summer Knows" as his engages in musical discussion with bass player Richard Davis. Woods, and all the other artists on this album, are in fine fettle resulting in another superior compilation from jazz impresario Dorn's 32Jazz label. 

32 Jazz, 32106, 1999 

Personnel:
See included Tracks [Personnel].txt for further details. 

Tracks:
01. Willis Jackson, Pat Martino - Blue Velvet (7:41)
02. Red Garland - The Second Time Around (3:15)
03. Houston Person - Everything Happens To Me (6:06)
04. Les McCann - Sunny (8:09)
05. Larry Coryell - 'Round Midnight (4:39)
06. Sonny Stitt - Sweet And Lovely (7:09)
07. Wallace Roney - Lost (3:50)
08. Vincent Herring - Stars Fell On Alabama (6:25)
09. Donald Byrd - That's All There Is To Love (5:47)
10. Phil Woods - The Summer Knows (6:25)
11. Pat Martino - You Don't Know What Love Is (4:46)

Total Time: 64:17 

Credits:
Compilation Producer - Adam Dorn
Producer [Series] - Joel Dorn

Don Patterson - The Best Of Don Patterson & The Jazz Giants (1969)

The term "jazz giants" is no overstatement for this selection of choice tracks from the brilliant organist's output for Prestige between 1964 and 1969. The various lineups on the LP's six tracks are made up of players who excel in playing Patterson's brand of smart, hard-bopping soul jazz: Sonny Stitt, Pat Martino, Charles McPherson, George Coleman, Blue Mitchell, Junior Cook among others. Cohesive pacing and sound put this release a few notches above most all-star/best-of sets. There's no awkward shoehorning guests in for celebrity cameos, rather the players all sound like members of tight, working units. It helps to have Patterson stalwarts guitarist Martino and drummer Billy James on board for most of the music, as they share the artist's ability to generate exciting, hard-driving music with their great blues feeling and outstanding chops. The three tracks with Martino are the high points: Stitt's "Ratio and Proportion," Billy James' "Little Shannon," and Charlie Parker's "Donna Lee." As he consistently does in his work with Patterson, Martino impresses with his stunning rhythm work, in addition to his more widely recognized role as a killer soloist. The version of "Donna Lee" here is also significant for the presence of veteran bebopper Howard McGhee, who is in excellent form on this feature for his trumpet. The mark of a strong best-of package is one that stands on its own as a coherent presentation of the artist's work, as well as one that prompts the listener to seek out the complete sessions that were drawn on for the compilation. On both these accounts, this survey of Patterson's work is a complete success. ~ by Jim Todd, AMG.

Prestige Records, PRST 7772, 1969

Recorded 24^th September, 1968 (#A1) in New York City

Recorded 2^nd June, 1969 (#A2) At Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Recorded 22^nd February, 1968 (#A3) in New York City

Recorded 10^th May, 1967 (#B1) At Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Recorded 19^th March, 1964 (#B2) At Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Recorded 5^th June, 1968 (#B3) in New York City

Personnel:

Don Patterson - Organ

Virgil Jones - Trumpet (#A2)

Howard McGhee - Trumpet (#A3)

Blue Mitchell - Trumpet (#B3)

Charles McPherson - Tenor Saxophone (#A1)

Sonny Stitt - Tenor Saxophone (#A1,B2)

George Coleman - Tenor Saxophone (#A2)

Houston Person - Tenor Saxophone (#A2)

David "Fathead" Newman - Tenor Saxophone (#B1)

Junior Cook - Tenor Saxophone (#B3)

Pat Martino - Guitar (#A1-A3,B3)

Billy James - Drums (#A1,A3,B1,B2)

Frankie Jones - Drums (#A2)

Tracks:

A1. Ratio And Proportion {Sonny Stitt} (5:09)

A2. Perdido {Ervin Drake, Hans Lengsfelder, Juan Tizol} (8:50)

A3. Donna Lee {Charlie Parker} (6:16)

B1. Mellow Soul {Don Patterson} (6:35)

B2. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone {Sidney Clare, Sam H. Stept} (5:42)

B3. Little Shannon {Billy James} (6:56)

Total Time: 39:28

See Session Info [Personnel].txt for further details

Don Patterson, Sonny Stitt, Billy James - The Boss Men (1965) [re-rip]

Fruitful partnerships in jazz are one the principal ways both the music and the musicians stay creatively vital. Having a close colleague to riff off of and goad on keeps even an art form based on improvisation from going stale. Stitt and Patterson shared just such a relationship. The saxophonist and the organist teamed up on over a dozen dates together in the late 60s, frequently with drummer James in tow. This Prestige LP "The Boss Men" is ostensibly helmed by Patterson. Blues-based originals and a handful of standards round out the crop of tunes and the trio wastes no time in harvesting them. One of the immediately audible aspects of this errant trio is their reverence for space and thematic flexibility. While several of the tunes traffic in rapid tempos nothing ever seems rushed. Stitt’s a venerated veteran and he knows it, taking the changes with a diplomatic amiability that proves a model of self-assurance and pacing. His alto positively sings in points and it’s a true joy to hear him blowing so effusively in such economical setting. Whether soloing or filling in the chordal cracks around his partners’ Patterson is similarly confident. His glimmering lines sport a slippery weightlessness at odds with the stereotypical heavy-handed, lead-footed organists of the era. James is at times a basher, striking his skins with a strident urgency, as on But more often he slides easily into an accompanist’s role sculpting syncopated grooves and soothing brush patterns with equal alacrity. Excerpts by Derek Taylor, AAJ.

Prestige Records, PRST 7466, 1966

Recorded 28^th December, 1965 At Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Tracks:

A1. Diane {Erno Rapee, Lew Pollack} (5:48)

A2. Someday My Prince Will Come {Frank Churchill, Larry Morey} (8:21)

A3. Easy To Love {Cole Porter} (5:43)

B1. What's New? {Bob Haggart, Johnny Burke} (5:34)

B2. Big C's Rock {Don Patterson} (3:12)

B3. They Say That Falling In Love Is Beautiful {Irving Berlin} (7:52)

Personnel:

Don Patterson - Organ

Sonny Stitt - Alto Saxophone

Billy James - Drums

Credits:

Producer - Cal Lampley

Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Design - Don Schlitten

Liner Notes - Ahmad Basheer, June 1966

Sonny Stitt - Soul Girl (1973) [vinyl>flac]

Bringing Out The Dead

Another out-of-print, never-reissued LP from the infinite universe of Sonny Stitt recordings, this one recorded in 1972 and released in 1975 on the Paula label. It's above-average Stitt, which is to say it's leagues beyond what most any other saxophonist could turn in. Sonny is supported by a cast of Chicago musicians on both sides. The first side is all alto, a couple of commercial tunes aimed at the "soul" market followed by two exceptional straight-ahead Stitt improvisations on "Jeep's Blues" and "I Know That You Know." But even the tunes with strings and Fender Rhodes piano can't detract from inspired Stitt. Jodie Christian on piano here. The 2nd side is Stitt on tenor, his preferred instrument at this time. It's extremely competent, spirited Stitt playing, but not as fresh as the numbers featuring his alto. Rhythm section on this side includes Richard Muhal Abrams, Wilbur Campbell and Cleveland Eaton. This one should be reissued. Write your congressman! ~ Samuel, Amazon.com.

Paula Records, LPS 4004, 1973

Recorded 27^th September, 1973 At P. S. Studio, 323 East 23rd, Chicago, Illinois

Personnel:

Sonny Stitt - Alto Saxophone (Side A), Tenor Saxophone (Side B)

Jodie Christian - Piano (#A1-A4)

Tennyson Stephens - Piano (#A1-A4)

Richard Muhal Abrams - Piano (#B1-B3)

Ron Muldrow - Guitar (#A1-A4)

Richard Evans - Bass (#A1-A4)

Cleveland Eaton - Bass (#B1-B3)

Morris Jennings - Drums (#A1-A4)

Wilbur Campbell - Drums (#B1-B3)

Bruce Hayden - Strings (#A1-A4)

Kitty Hayward - Vocals (#A1-A4)

Tracks:

A1. Got To Get Over {Richard Evans} (3:20)

A2. Soul Girl {Joel Beal} (3:52)

A3. Jeep Blues {Sonny Stitt} (4:39)

A4. I Know That You Know {Anne Calwell, Vincent Youmans} (5:29)

B1. I Should Care {Sammy Kahn, Axel Stordahl, Paul Weston} (7:20)

B2. Eight Track Blues {Sonny Stitt} (5:16)

B3. Gone With The Wind {Herb Magidson, Allie Wrubel} (5:42)

Credits:

Producer, Engineer - Paul Serrano

Design [Cover] - Ralph Pierce

Photography [Cover] - Jerry Griffith

Album Coordinator - Jo Wyatt, Don Logan

Don Patterson - The Best Of Don Patterson (1969) [vinyl]

A fine compilation of tracks from Don Patterson albums released on Prestige Records stretching from 1964-1967. He is joined by a solid cast of players including: Houston Person, David “Fathead” Newman, Sonny Stitt, Booker Ervin, Jerry Byrd, Pat Martino, Vinnie Corrao, Billy James on broad selection of soul jazz tunes, Enjoy!

Prestige Records, PRST 7704, 1969

See Session Info text file for Dates & Personnel

==============================

Tracks:

A1. 42639 {Sonny Stitt} (5:21)

A2. Satisfaction {Richard Carpenter} (3:21)

A3. Up In Betty's Room {Don Patterson} (5:12)

A4. Last Train From Overbrook {James Moody} (3:57)

B1. Humpa Snapa Blues {Don Patterson} (5:01)

B2. Up Tight {Don Patterson} (3:13)

B3. Big C's Rock {Don Patterson} (3:12)

B4. Sister Ruth {Don Patterson} (4:56)

Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder

=========================================================

42639 was originally released on:

Don Patterson - Patterson's People (1965)

PR7381

Satisfaction was originally released on:

Don Patterson - Satisfaction! (1965)

PRST 7430

Up In Betty's Room was originally released on:

Don Patterson - The Exciting New Organ Of Don Patterson (1964)

PRST 7331

Last Train from Overbrook was originally released on:

Don Patterson - Four Dimensions (1967)

PRST 7533

Humpa Snapa Blues was originally released on:

Don Patterson - Mellow Soul (1967)

PRST 7510

Up Tight was originally released on:

Don Patterson - Soul Happening (1967)

PRST 7484

Big C's Rock was originally released on:

Don Patterson - The Boss Men (1965)

PRST 7466

Sister Ruth was originally released on:

Don Patterson - Hip Cake Walk (1964)

PRST 7349

Gene Ammons - Makes It Happen (1948-51) [re-rip]

This 1967 Cadet release repackages the 1958 Chess date Soulful Saxophone, itself a session originally recorded in 1950 in the months prior to Gene Ammons' landmark stint with the Prestige label--and while the provocative cover suggests a collection of lush romantic ballads, Gene Ammons Makes It Happen is instead deep and dark, underscored by the tenorist's potently soulful sound. A melancholy reading of "My Foolish Heart" was Ammons' first hit and sets the tone for the remainder of the material, which boasts an affecting, late-night atmosphere--the music absolutely marinates in echo, transcending the waking world into the dreamscape. ~ Jason Ankeny, AMG.

Argo Records, LPS-783, 1967

Cadet Records, CA 783, 1977

Recorded October 1948 through May 1951 in Chicago, Illinois

12^th October, 1948; (#B5)

28^th February, 1949; (#B4)

8^th January, 1950; (#B1)

2^nd May, 1950; (#A1,A3,B3)

August, 1950; (#A2,A4)

3^rd May, 1951; (#A5,B2)

Personnel:

Gene Ammons - Tenor Saxophone

Bill Massey - Trumpet (#A1-A4,B3)

Matthew Gee - Trombone (#A1-A4,B1,B3)

Charlie Bateman - Piano (#A1-A4,B3)

Gene Wright - Bass (#A1-A5,B2,B3)

Wesley Landers - Drums (A1-A4,B1,B3,B5)

Sonny Stitt - Baritone Saxophone (#A2,A4)

Junior Mance - Piano (#A5,B1,B2)

Teddy Stewart - Drums (#A5,B2)

Jesse Miller - Trumpet (#B1)

Leo Blevins - Guitar (#B1,B4)

Leroy Jackson - Bass (#B1,B5)

Christine Chatman - Piano (#B4,B5)

Lowell Pointer - Bass (#B4)

Ike Day - Drums (#B4)

Tom Archia - Tenor Saxophone (#B5)

Tracks:

A1. My Foolish Heart {Victor Young, Ned Washington} (2:48)

A2. Prelude To A Kiss {Duke Ellington, Irving Gordon, Irving Mills} (2:59)

A3. Goodbye {Gordon Jenkins, Benny Goodman} (3:08)

A4. Can Anyone Explain {Bennie Benjamin, George David Weiss} (2:52)

A5. It's You Or No One {Jule Styne, Sammy Cahn} (2:43)

B1. Pennies From Heaven {Johnny Burke, Arthur Johnston} (2:36)

B2. Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe {Harold Arlen, E.Y. "Yip" Harburg} (2:48)

B3. You Go To My Head {J. Fred Coots, Haven Gillespie} (2:59)

B4. Once In A While {Michael Edwards, Bud Green} (3:11)

B5. It's The Talk Of The Town {Jerry Livingston, Marty Symes, Al J. Neiburg} (2:50)

Preserved in the tracks of this album are ten memorable performances that represent an early Gene Ammons. This time, these sounds have been further enhanced through the process of re-channeled stereo. The crooning tones emanating from Gene's tenor on these ballads are the ideal purveyors of warmth and thoughtfulness of a quiet mood. To those who recall with fondness the excitement created by these recordings when they first were issued, this album will be a welcome treat. This album is a good starting place, and as you listen to evergreens like My Foolish Heart, Prelude To A Kiss, Pennies From Heaven, Once In A While, and You Go To My Head, I'm sure you'll nod in agreement with this album title ...Gene Ammons always MAKES IT HAPPEN. ~ Excerpts from Liner Notes by Burt Burdeen (WSDM, Chicago).

Credits:

Cover Photo - Michel Ditlove

Art Direction - Howard Blume, Bill Sharp

Note:

Originally released in 1959 as "Soulful Saxophone" [Chess Records - LP 1442]

Gene Ammons & Sonny Stitt - You Talk That Talk! (1971) [vinyl>flac]

A good old-fashioned duet album by Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt, longtime friends who recorded several albums together, 1971's You Talk That Talk lacks the can-you-top-this cutting contest duels that the tenor saxophonists could occasionally engage in on-stage. Instead, a relaxed, swinging vibe prevails, as Stitt and Ammons trade choruses over a loose, funky backdrop provided by organist Leon Spencer and Ammons' usual rhythm section of guitarist George Freeman and drummer Idris Muhammad. On side one of the album, Ammons plays his new toy, the Varitone electric sax, which basically sounds like a regular saxophone played through a guitarist's chorus and delay pedals. The thick, kind of muddy sound recalls Miles Davis' contemporaneous jazz-rock experiments and contrasts not unpleasantly with Stitt's fleet-fingered solos. On the less dated-sounding second side, Ammons and Stitt settle into a more familiar all-acoustic setting, culminating in a fine pair of solos on the ballad standard "Body and Soul," both men playing tribute to the great Coleman Hawkins while maintaining their own unique styles. ~ by Stewart Mason, AMG.

Prestige Records, PRST 10019, 1971

Recorded 8^th February, 1971 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Musicians:

Gene Ammons - Tenor Saxophone

Sonny Stitt - Tenor Saxophone

Leon Spencer - Organ

George Freeman - Guitar

Idris Muhammad - Drums

Tracks:

A1. You Talk That Talk! {Leon Spencer} (5:56)

A2. Body And Soul {Frank Eyton, Johnny Green, Edward Heyman, Robert Sour} (4:14)

A3. The People's Choice {Harold Ousley} (6:53)

B1. Katea's Dance {Sonny Stitt} (6:41)

B2. The Sun Died {Ray Charles, Hubert Giraud, André Gregory, Pierre Leroyer} (4:36)

B3. Out Of It {Harold Vick} (4:57)

Credits:

Supervision - Bob Porter

Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder

Art Direction - Tony Lane

Artwork [Lettering] - Bill Adams

Photography - Al Johnson

Liner Notes - Greg Hall

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

Don Patterson with Sonny Stitt - Donny Brook (1969) [re-rip]

Organist Don Patterson and saxophonist Sonny Stitt recorded together frequently between 1961 and 1969. On this LP from their last session, they are joined by guitarist Grant Green -- the only date Green ever recorded with them. Regular Patterson collaborator, drummer Billy James, completes the group. It's good organ jazz, although not the best performances in this style from the three lead players. Green's title track is the highlight. It's a two-chord vamp that sounds as if at any moment it's going to break into the melody from Classics IV's hit, "Spooky." What's impressive is how the players drive off from this very basic tune to produce sophisticated, imaginative solos. The group's readings of Tad Dameron's "Good Bait" and Sonny Rollins' "St. Thomas" are not definitive, but they yield satisfying choruses from Stitt, Patterson, and Green. Patterson can usually be counted on for a stylish, soulful, slow blues. For this set, it's "Mud Turtle" -- close to ten minutes of steaming solo work all around. The Patterson ballad feature "Starry Night" starts off in roller-rink territory, but soon develops into a highly dramatic and progressive piece. ~ by Jim Todd, AMG.

Prestige Records, PR 7816, 1970

Recorded 15^th September, 1969 at Rudy Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Personnel:

Don Patterson - Organ

Sonny Stitt - Tenor Saxophone [Varitone]

Grant Green - Guitar

Billy James - Drums

Track Listing:

A1. Donny Brook {Grant Green} (8:25)

A2. Mud Turtle {Don Patterson} (9:58)

B1. St. Thomas {Sonny Rollins} (5:32)

B2. Good Bait {Tadd Dameron, Count Basie} (8:32)

B3. Starry Night {John H. Densmore} (5:53)

Credits:

Producer - Bob Porter

Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Photo - Al Johnson
Design - Don Schlitten
Liner Notes - Nat White (September, 1970)

Extracts From Liner Notes:

A donnybrook is a fight. This donnybrook is a bit different, however, because the participants are merely supporting each other and results are much mellower than the knock-down drag-out one might expect. For many years, I have listened to and enjoyed the straight-ahead swing of Don Patterson-a gifted young man. Hearing Don is always a joy but hearing him in the company of burner extraordinaire Sonny Stitt is an added bonus. Don, Sonny, and Billy James worked up and down the country for several years and they know what to expect from each other. The addition of Grant Green can only add some spice to an already together congregation.

This album is an example of the affirmation of jazz in these times of social unrest-at home and abroad. Noting that indifference and conflict have invaded many of the arts, it is a pleasure to know that jazz, the only true American art form, has not fallen to the depths of mediocrity. It has broadened its horizons, expanded its viewpoint, and survived with its best feature intact. Men like Don Patterson will be in the vanguard of change for the music and it is a good thing because a man like Patterson has deep roots in modern jazz. Good hard-cooking music will not fade from the scene if he has anything to say about it. ~ by Nat White.

Don Patterson - Tune Up! (1964-1969) [vinyl>flac]

An enjoyable set of stretched organ/tenor grooves. This LP is made up of four different sessions from Patterson's Prestige days; including the title track, all given the strong early groove of organist Don at a time when some of his contemporaries were tightening things up on the B-3, going for shorter tunes aimed at the jukebox and radio crowd. Don Patterson was a great reminder that the organ was best used on lengthier jamming tracks, on tunes that stretched out nicely with a style that was heard best in the clubs, and where an organ player could really do his thing. The album kicks off  with "Just Friends'', Patterson uses a cut down trio format; Billy James on drums and tenorist Booker Ervin,  another player who always knows what to do with plenty of space! The other titles include versions of "Flyin' Home", "Tune Up" a Miles Davis tune featuring Sonny Stitt on Varitone and Grant Green, listed on the album cover as Blue Grant! The album finishes up with "Blues For Mom", Don's own composition, showcasing a dual tenor line-up of George Coleman & Houston Person plus Virgil Jones on trumpet. Overall this LP is quite a magnificent soul jazz package.

Prestige Records, PR 7852, 1971

Recorded 10^th July, 1964 (#A1); 25^th August, 1964 (#A2);
15^th September, 1969 (#B1) and 2^nd June, 1969 (#B2)
at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Personnel:

Don Patterson - Organ

Booker Ervin - Tenor Saxophone (#A1,A2)

Sonny Stitt - Tenor Saxophone (#A2,B1)

Grant Green - Guitar (#B1)

Virgil Jones - Trumpet (#B2)

Houston Person - Tenor Saxophone (#B2)

George Coleman - Tenor Saxophone (#B2)

Billy James - Drums (#A1,A2,B1)

Frankie Jones - Drums (#B2)

Tracks:

A1. Just Friends {John Klenner, Sam M. Lewis} (5:56)

A2. Flyin' Home {Lionel Hampton, Benny Goodman} (10:12)

B1. Tune Up {Miles Davis} (4:24)

B2. Blues For Mom {Don Patterson} (12:52)

Credits:

Producers - Ozzie Cadena (Side A), Bob Porter (Side B)

Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder

Liner Notes - Joe Segal (January, 1971)

Sonny Stitt - Primitivo Soul (1963) [vinyl>flac 24/48]

A rarity - I can find no evidence of a CD issue?

Side A
1. Slave Maidens
2. Baion Baby
3. Estrellita
Side B
1. Blue Blood Ritual
2. Island Shout
3. Barefoot Ball

Sonny Stitt (alto,tenor saxophone) Ronnie Mathews (piano) Leonard Gaskin (bass) Herbie Lovelle (drums) Marcelino Valdez (congas) Osvaldo "Chihuahau" Martinez (bongos)
Rudy Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, December 31, 1963

Sonny Stitt - Rearin' Back (1962) [vinyl>flac]

A great little groover from Sonny Stitt – blowing here with a very soulful group that features piano by soul jazz giant Ronnie Matthews! Matthews is at his prime here, and his heavy left-handed approach lays out some wonderful grooves for Stitt – crackling little tunes that are extra-great because they include a good number of original compositions by Sonny! The group’s a quartet, with Sonny and Ronnie alongside Art Harper on bass and Lex Humphries on drums – and the session’s got the great tone and inventive solo work of Stitt’s best work on Roost, but also a more pronounced role from the rhythm section, who really help drive the record! Titles include “Rearin Back”, “Cut Plug”, “Queen”, “Carpsie’s Groove”, and “Bunny R”. ~ Dusty Groove America, Inc.

Argo Records, LPS-709, 1963

Recorded 24^th September, 1962, Ter Mar Recording Studio, Chicago, Illinois

Personnel:

Sonny Stitt - Alto & Tenor Saxophones

Ronald Matthews - Piano

Arthur Harper Jr. - Bass

Lex Humphries - Drums

Track Listing:

A1. Rearin’ Back {Sonny Stitt} (5:06)

A2. We {Harry Woods, Al Sherman, Charles Tobias} (3:57)

A3. Little Girl Blue {Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers} (3:29)

A4. Cut Plug {Sonny Stitt} (4:06)

B1. Queen {Sonny Stitt} (6:50)

B2. Carpsie’s Groove {Sonny Stitt} (5:00)

B3. Bunny R {Sonny Stitt} (6:01)

Very hard drivin’ groove going down here… now Sonny never needed a reason to open up and blow… but this rhythm section sure sparked a fire under Sonny on this date.. and being a Argo, I was not sure it would have the same strong attention as his Roost or Verve years.. gee was I pleasantly surprised to find it not only matched Roost or Verve, but even stepped it a notch [or two] “Little Girl Blue” at 17:30 min long just had Sonny on fire. “Bunny R” is another let all hang out versions for Sonny… So if Soul/Jazz with strong bop lines are your thang’ well seek no further… it’s right here ~ oldhippierick