Search - Sonny Criss :: I'll Catch the Sun

Sonny Criss's brilliant alto shines again on this cd!

07/31/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sonny Criss's I'll Catch The Sun is a brilliant display of Sonny's magnificent alto saxophone playing. Along with stellar pianist and friend Hampton Hawes, Monte Budwig on bass and Shelly Manne on drums, Criss proves he is a tremendously gifted player, while offering a taste of up-tempo tunes, mixed with soulful blues playing straight from his heart. Criss's sound is warm, exciting, and deeply personal. He has a lightning virtuosity but is still untouchable on the blues. What also makes this recording so special is the presence of Hawes on piano. An underrated player, Hawes is a standout at the keyboard, and his personal friendship with Sonny comes across musically as well. In particular, check out the two jazz giants as they trade fours on California Screamin'. This is a great recording full of outstanding traditional jazz at its best, with the finest West Coast players imaginable!"

Just plain good listening

Rip van Winkle | CA | 07/13/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am not a jazz expert, but I like to listen to it and I love saxophones. Sonny Cris knew this instrument so well and added that little something that made his playing unique and so-o-o cool. I recommend this album highly. The more you listen, the more you love it."