"This album from 1957 excellently captures what was definitive of jazz at that time, and in so doing became one of the best jazz albums of all time. Sonny Clark never had as big a name as other prominent pianists of the day, but he deserves to be prominently remembered. His style on this album obviously echoes with the style of Bud Powell but (like the great Dave McKenna on his trio recordings from this same time period) his playing also brings with it a smooth lyricism that is new. Sonny Clark's playing on this album has the sound of beautiful perfection, and (along with the great work of Paul Chambers on bass and Philly Joe Jones on drums) the playing really swings. The tunes are all ones recorded many times by many others, but these renditions really set the standard for how these "standards" sound. "I Didn't Know What Time It Was" is particularly strong. This is a great album to introduce jazz to someone, and also is an essential study album for anyone seriously interested in the art form. I recommend it very highly."
Sonny is authoritative, an ideal piano trio album.
P. E. Curry | Philly | 03/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sonny Clark was no joke in his time, despite the obvious similarity to the style of Bud Powell (who hasn't adapted some facet of Bud's style?), Sonny Clark's playing on this album belongs to nobody but himself. I should have bought this album a long while ago, I was unsure whether or not Sonny Clark would have a strong enough creative presence as a leader, but I was wrong to doubt it. This album swings hard (thanks to Mr P.C. and Philly Joe Jones of course), and Sonny's playing does indeed have the luminosity of an assured and authoritative jazz pianist and trio leader. His nonconventional rubato solo treatment of "I'll Remember April" is a demonstration of his own personal style of pianistic creativity and emotion. Philly Joe Jones treats us to double-time during clark's solo in "Softly..." which almost made me stamp my foot right through the floor."
The Sonny Clark Trio
Chris Covais | 04/17/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sonny Clark was the master of bop piano, behind Bud Powell of course. He was a soulful, master, and tasteful player. This is a soulful album!
The fast bop tune, 'Bebop' starts off the album. The song is a Dizzy Gillespie original. It's one of my favorite songs. The tune features a lengthy blues solo by Clark, as well as solos by Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones who finish off the trio.
The swinging three run through such tunes as 'I Didn't Know What Time It Was,' I'll Remember April, Tadd's Deligt,' and 'Softly as In A Morning Sunrise.'
The showcase for Philly Joe Jones, Two Bass Hit, written by John Lewis. The tune can also be heard on Miles Davis's Milestones, with Jones on drums also.
This was recorded a couple months before Clark's classic, Cool Struttin. The album basically took off from this album here. If you love 1950's bop, this album is for you. Not a bad note! Very enjoyable.
Five Stars."
The Sonny Clark Trio
Brian D. Fitzpatrick | Medford, MA | 02/11/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"|The Sonny Clark Trio|
Sonny Clark-piano
Paul Chambers-bass
Philly'Joe'Jones-drums
|Listing of Tunes|:
"I Didn't Know What Time It Was"(Richard Rogers/Lorenz Hart)Alt.take
"I Didn't Know What Time It Was"(Richard Rogers/Lorenz Hart)
Sonny Clark,one of the great back up pianist and leaders of the late 50's and the early 60's,was also a prolific composer in his own right, producing some remarkable small ensemble recording and superb trio sessions during his tenure recording for Blue Note Records.Profoundly influenced by Bud Powell,Sonny,eventually,found his 'own voice'.He had a special touch and approach,his lyrical genuis was uncanny .His approach to the piano was unassuming,humble,it didn't shout at you or 'grab you by the collar'.A brilliant idea man,with amazing ears.He is backed in this recording by two of the greats in the buisness,Paul Chambers(bass),and Philly 'Joe' Jones on drums.
Sonny shines on 'Tadd's Delight' and 'I Didn't Know What Time It Was' with the crisp support from Chambers and Philly 'Joe'.
He takes on the challenge of 'Be-bop',a very difficult tune,and pulls it off with his typical finesse.Sonny Clark's touch is one of a kind.I hope you enjoy the session,as you are listening to a great melodic thinker.