General opinion has it that Sonny Stitt always stood in Charlie Parker's shadow. That, however, is unjustifiable. The legendary jazz critic Nat Hentoff wrote, for example: 'Sonny has been one of the wholly involved players, well known and admired for his soul and the earthiness of his message only by musicians who feel and play like he does and by that part of the jazz audience that is most moved by naked, open emotion. He has made his mark with them as an honest yea-sayer who can't help but play what he knows and feels.' The present recording is proof of this - a session which shouldn't really have worked out so well. Sonny Stitt's alto saxophone presides over a seven-man-strong brass group, and although the prospect of a Sonny Stitt big band does not sound too promising initially, this rendezvous is really enjoyable, thanks in part to Stitt's superb solos. At this time he was on the top of his form and he plays freely over the basis provided by the brass section consisting of Blue Mitchell, Jimmy Cleveland and Willie Ruff. The arrangements by Tadd Dameron and Jimmy Mundy are closely-knit yet offer enough room for swing and a generous pinch of soul. Special highlights are contributed by the unknown, female organist Perri Lee's little groovy additions that are really successful and infuse the arrangements with a slender sound and sparkle. Although 'Sonny Stitt & The Top Brass' may not stand in the limelight like 'Boss Tenors' or 'Salt And Pepper', it is certainly on a par with these from an artistic point of view.
Release date:
April 17, 2020
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Denon DP-400
Featuring a high-precision, belt-driven mechanism and an adjustable tonearm that ensures optimal tracking and minimal resonance
-
Vinyl Care - Top Picks
A selection of accesories to keep your turntable equipment & vinyl records in the best shape
-
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Featuring a one-piece carbon fiber tonearm, precision-tuned motor, and a heavy steel platter with TPE damping, it ensures superior stability and sound quality.
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
-
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Features an elliptical stylus that accurately tracks the grooves of vinyl records, delivering a rich, detailed sound with an output voltage of 5.5 mV
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Demonstealer The Propaganda Machine (Tourqouse)
Black Lion Records
July 25, 2025 -
FM Brotherhood [2xLP]
Frontiers New Recordings Physical Only
September 5, 2025 -
THROATCUT. RESILIENCE. (Red/Black Marbled)
Arising Empire
August 8, 2025 -
Alice Cooper The Revenge Of Alice Cooper (Yellow) [2xLP]
Earmusic
July 25, 2025 -
ROSÉ rosie
Atlantic
July 25, 2025 -
Drain ...is Your Friend
Epitaph
November 7, 2025 -
LCD Soundsystem Home Tom Sharkett Edit
Dfa Records
September 26, 2025 -
W.A.S.P. THe Headless Children Half-Speed Master
Madfish
August 8, 2025 -
Jerskin Fendrix Once Upon A Time. . . In Shropshire (Shropspire Mud Brown) [2xLP]
Untitled (Recs)
October 10, 2025 -
Pan American & Kramer Interior of an Edifice Under the Sea
Shimmy Disc
July 25, 2025 -
Sanguisugabogg Hideous Aftermath
Century Media
October 10, 2025 -
Clamm Serious Acts
Meat Machine
July 25, 2025 -
Thin Lizzy Acoustic Sessions
Mercury
August 1, 2025 -
Sister. Two Birds
Mtn Laurel Rec. Co.
August 15, 2025