Sonny's Venture Into Soul-Jazz!
A. Davis | Greenville, SC | 07/22/2010
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Of the three previously unreleased Sonny Fortune CDs released by the Wounded Bird Records label in 2010, "With Sound Reason" is the most radio-friendly with deep roots in the Soul-Jazz pool. Originally recorded in 1979, Sonny delivers some good solo performances on both Sax and Flute. But like some of the material on the "Infinity Is" recording, the compositions are thin at best and don't allow him to really stretch out and push the music forward. But if you grew up in the 70's and have a deep passion for the music of The Crusaders, Grover Washington Jr, Ronnie Laws, David Sanborn and more recently Dave Koz, you will love the music on this CD. My favorite track is "Francisco", a beautiful Milton Nascimento composition that brings out the best in Sonny's Flute and Larry willis' Acoustic Piano. Most of the other tracks are either head-bobbing funky or very easy on the ears without falling into the Smooth-Jazz pool.
If you want to really delve into Sonny's more vibrant and engaging music, please check out "Serengeti Minstrel", "From Now On", "A Better Understanding" and "Four In One". Each of those recordings reflect the passion, drive and creativity of an exceptional artist at the top of his game. I am very hopeful that Wounded Bird will find a way to unearth two other unreleased Sonny Fortune treasures. The excellent "Awakening" and "Waves Of Dreams" are still in the vaults somewhere. I am still wearing out my vinyl LP's almost 35-years after originally purchasing them. For now, three and a half stars for Sonny's venture into Soul-Jazz. Have a great day!"
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1