Album Info
| Artist: | Sonny Clark |
| Album: | Cool Struttin' |
| Released: | 25 Jun 2021 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Cool Struttin' | |
| Written-By - Sonny Clark | ||
| A2 | Blue Minor | |
| Written-By - Clark | ||
| B1 | Sippin' At Bells | |
| Written-By - Miles Davis | ||
| B2 | Deep Night | |
| Written-By - Henderson, Vallee |
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Description
"Cool Struttin'" is a seminal jazz album by the American pianist Sonny Clark, released in 1958 on the Blue Note label. This album is often hailed as one of the quintessential hard bop recordings of the late 1950s, showcasing Clark's exceptional talent and the synergy of his ensemble.
Sonny Clark, born Conrad Yeatis Clark in 1931, was a prominent figure in the hard bop movement. His career, though tragically short due to his untimely death in 1963, left a lasting impact on the jazz world. "Cool Struttin'" stands as a testament to his prowess as a pianist and composer.
The album features an all-star lineup, including Art Farmer on trumpet, Jackie McLean on alto saxophone, Paul Chambers on bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums. This ensemble of musicians, each a luminary in their own right, brings a dynamic and cohesive sound to the recording.
The title track, "Cool Struttin'," opens the album with a laid-back, bluesy groove that immediately sets the tone. Clark's piano work is both fluid and intricate, weaving seamlessly with Farmer's warm trumpet lines and McLean's sharp alto saxophone. The rhythm section, anchored by Chambers and Jones, provides a solid foundation that propels the track forward.
"Blue Minor," the second track, is a composition by Clark that showcases his ability to blend complex harmonies with a catchy, memorable melody. The interplay between the musicians is particularly noteworthy here, with each soloist taking turns to shine while maintaining a cohesive group sound.
"Sippin' at Bells," a composition by Miles Davis, is given a fresh interpretation by Clark and his ensemble. The track features a lively, swinging rhythm and showcases the virtuosity of each musician. Farmer's trumpet solo is particularly striking, displaying his technical prowess and lyrical sensibility.
"Deep Night," a standard composed by Charles Henderson and Rudy Vallee, is given a lush, romantic treatment by Clark and his band. The track highlights Clark's sensitive touch on the piano and his ability to convey deep emotion through his playing. McLean's alto saxophone adds a poignant, expressive quality to the performance.
"Royal Flush," another Clark original, closes the album on a high note. The track features a driving, up-tempo rhythm and showcases the tight interplay between the musicians. Clark's piano solo is a masterclass in hard bop improvisation, blending technical skill with a deep sense of swing.
The production quality of "Cool Struttin'" is also worth noting. The album was recorded by the legendary Rudy Van Gelder, whose engineering skills helped define the sound of Blue Note Records. Van Gelder's meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture the nuances of each instrument contribute to the album's timeless quality.
"Cool Struttin'" has been widely acclaimed by critics and jazz enthusiasts alike. It is often cited as one of the essential albums in the hard bop genre and has been included in numerous "best of" lists over the years. The album's enduring popularity is a testament to the exceptional talent of Sonny Clark and his collaborators.
In conclusion, "Cool Struttin'" is a must-listen for any jazz aficionado. The album captures the essence of the hard bop movement and showcases the incredible talent of Sonny Clark and his ensemble. With its memorable compositions, stellar performances, and top-notch production, "Cool Struttin'" remains a timeless classic in the jazz canon.
