Search - Sonny Clark Trio :: Sonny Clark Trio

Very Good performances - Outstanding sonics

Daniel A. Cooper | New York, NY USA | 07/24/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is an very good session that finally sees the light of the digital day in this terrific hybrid SACD remastered from the original masters by Steve Hoffman. With Hoffman's stamp on this disc, you can rest assured that this disc will sound amazing, and it does not let us down. Sonny's piano is clean and crisp, the acoustic bass is precise without being muddy or buried in the mix, and Max Roach's subtle playing is clearly articulated, especially his brush strokes and cymbal work. It's amazing how a recording done back in 1959 can actually sound better than a tinny, loud modern recording, but in Hoffman's capable hands, that's exactly what you have.



The performances are very impressive on this album. Max Roach is a solid foundation, driving the tunes with some very subtle but effective cymbal work. He also stands out in Minor Meeting, with his most agressive playing. Duvivier is a smooth player who walks the dog as well as anyone in the business and has some tasty business on Sonny's Crip. Sonny Clark is a great bop pianist, who reminds me a lot of Bud Powell, but is more lyrical and melodic in his soloing. The tunes here are not memorable, but basically work as good set pieces for the improvisations.



All in all, this is a quality jazz session that will leave you smiling.



What will NOT leave you smiling though is that as I write this Audio Fidelity has already lost the license to this disc and it is now officially in the "hard to find" category. However, I suggest you seek it out, because you will be very pleasantly surprised at the sound quality and performances on the SACD.



p.s. I would also recommend that you check out the Sonny Clark CDs Cool Struttin' and Leapin' & Lopin'."