![Criss Criss](/uploads/1/2/5/6/125600286/669815176.jpg)
Altoist Sonny Criss' Prestige recordings of the late 1960s generally included a current pop tune or two along with some stronger jazz pieces. This 1998 CD reissue is of particular interest because the intense altoist is teamed with guitarist Tal Farlow (who had recently come out of retirement before slipping back into obscurity for a few more years), pianist Cedar Walton, bassist Bob Cranshaw and drummer Lenny McBrowne. 'Up, Up and Away' (the Fifth Dimension hit) has more challenging chord changes than one would think and, although 'Sunny' is lightweight, Criss really digs in and uplifts it. In addition, the leader overflows 'Willow Weep for Me' with soul, plays a strong solo on Horace Tapscott's 'This Is for Benny' and displays his blues roots on 'Paris Blues.' However the highpoint is a burning rendition of 'Scrapple from the Apple' that finds Criss and Farlow engaged in torrid trade-offs. So overall this CD is more rewarding than it might appear at first glance.
Sample | Title/Composer | Performer | Time |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 05:32 | ||
2 | 05:12 | ||
3 | 06:23 | ||
4 | 05:55 | ||
5 | 06:47 | ||
6 | Sonny Criss / Duke Ellington | 07:29 |
Personnel: Sonny Criss (alto sax), Barry Harris (piano), Leroy Vinnegar (bass), Lenny McBrowne (drums. Sonny Criss and “Jazz-USA” By Jose Reyes On August 8, 2015 Add Comment If you ask any Jazz expert, they will tell you that Sonny Criss was one of the best alto saxophonist ever.
Along with tenor saxophonist Harold Land, altoist Sonny Criss qualifies as one of the most overlooked giants of West Coast jazz. His sound -- like most alto players of the bebop and hard bop days -- was heavily influenced by Charlie Parker, but Criss still managed to forge an original style featuring a very original melodic bent with loads of bluesy underpinnings. The goods can be optimally previewed on this great Prestige date from 1966. Backed by a trio consisting of pianist Walter Davis, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Alan Dawson, Criss makes fine work of such rare-bird covers as 'Sunrise, Sunset' and 'When Sunny Gets Blue.' There are also some fine originals here, including Criss' own 'Steve's Blues' and Davis' classic 'Greasy.' A perfect start to your Criss collection.
Sample | Title/Composer | Performer | Time | Stream |
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1 | 07:52 | |||
2 | Henry Mancini / Johnny Mercer | 03:20 | ||
3 | 05:41 | |||
4 | 02:28 | |||
5 | 02:52 | |||
6 | 06:23 | |||
7 | 05:10 | |||
8 | 06:25 |