Sonny Clark - Cool Struttin (6 tracks) +Album Reviews

Overrated

Mass Hysteria | Minneapolis, MN | 05/24/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Honestly, I don't understand how this album has achieved such iconic status in the history of hard bop. It goes down smooth and easy--even with Jackie McLean, who can be anything but smooth and easy--but fails to leave a real or lasting mark. Perhaps the problem can be attributed to the sameness of the tunes, all of which are stuck in a mid-tempo blues format. (That's certainly why it feels too safe to me, as if nothing is really at risk in the playing.) Perhaps it's the fact that McLean, Farmer, and Clark never played with each other live. Perhaps it's the fact that Clark, though a fine piano player, does not surprise in the way that a Mccoy Tyner might in the same situation. In any case, the album feels like a soulless blowing session, one that demonstrates a lot of fine musicianship but no heart."

Sonny and Company Strut Their Stuff

Jack Baker | LeRoy,IL | 03/05/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the opening swagger of the title track, you know you're in for something special on this session. Sonny Clark is joined on this album by Art Farmer (trumpet), Jackie McLean (alto sax), Paul Chambers (bass), and Philly Joe Jones (drums). This is a great collection of music by a fine group of performers. Art Farmer is fluid and mellow throughout, an excellent choice for the material. As others have pointed out, Jackie McLean's tone isn't as harsh here as on some of his other efforts. He turns in a solid, deep bodied performance. Philly Joe and Paul Chambers, often joined at the hip, are both in fine form on this recording. Sonny Clark's piano is solid, if not adventurous. The Van Gelder edition adds "Lover" and "Royal Flush", both welcome additions to an already solid session. A grand, bluesy hard bop masterpiece."

Cool.....

downdawgy | ny,usa | 03/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"this is a great effort.i play this disc over and over.it is a fine representation of the style of that time,hell it is a fine work period.if you like this style of music you will not be disappointed.while i am late to the sonny clark party,i am happy that i have finally arrived."

Something About Smooth Sonny!

Johnny Roc | Atlanta, Georgia USA | 04/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"So, what is it about Sonny Clark anyway? He certainly was not the first bebop pianist I learned about. That would be Horace Silver, followed by Bill Evans, then probably Red Garland, followed by Herbie Hancock. But there is something about Sonny, a fluidity and an economy, that makes him, well, alluring. Perhaps it is because he died young and really from his own demons. Whatever the case, the man churned out some fantastic music during the heydey of the bebop movement in jazz.

This one delivers the best of hard bop, and probably, the best of Sonny Clark, the bebop pianist whose brief life and musical career basically went in parallel with the hard bop movement in jazz. So, I guess you could say this record is an archetype of the style. (Not sure I can come up with a better one at the moment, other contenders IMO would be Art Blakey's Moanin' or Horace Silver and the Jazz Messengers). I just got the 24-bit RVG remaster, and the sound (no surprise) is fantastic.

This is one of those cd's you can just listen to over and over again with either full attention, or in the background. Somewhat bluesy, but it also swings. Features Miles Davis' 50's period esteemed rhythm section of Paul Chambers on bass and Philly Joe Jones on drums. Great, fluid horn work with Art Farmer on trumpet and the somewhat lesser known Jackie McLean doing a great job on sax. A variety ot tempos, with the title cut being the slowest (blues), the mid-tempo "Blue Minor" and yet faster "Sippin' At Bells," a Miles Davis original. The title features great comping by Clark as well as very smooth solos by both Farmer and McLean. The 10:15 "Blue Minor" is my favorite of the original four. Just a perfect swinging, hard bop recording with top notch soloing. "Deep Night" is a cheerful, swinging Clark original featuring smooth Sonny's effortless chord changes some nice solos from the horn section.

I also own Clark's Leapin' and Lopin,' a later-period recording which is also very good, but if I had to choose one, this one would go with me to the island. If you're into the hard bop period, or looking for a Sonny Clark component for your bebop collection, this one is essential."

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	Sonny Clark Cool Struttin Genres: Jazz, Pop Track Listings (6) - Disc #1 Cool Struttin' Blue Minor Sippin' At Bells Deep Night Royal Flush Lover Sonny Clark was ubiquitous at Blue Note sessions and led a handful of great albums of his own along the way. Cool Struttin' has a wonderful after-hours feel, especially on the extended title blues.
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