Overlooked!
LKWebs | Tennessee | 11/30/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Well, I'm not good at describing music, but...
This is an excellent compilation of songs from eight different albums. A composite of standards and originals by Sonny (12!, Steamroller, Dig Dr. Woody) with enough variation of melody and just enough improv to keep your toes tappin and your fingers snappin, or your body swaying through the entire albumn. There is not song on this albumn that I do not enjoy, and would have a difficult time singling out one as my favorite, but Dig Dr. Woody comes close.
Each song is a quartet with Sonny on tenor or alto sax, of course, and different instumentalists: Drums: Roy Brooks, Alan Dawson, Jimmy Cobb, Leroy Williams, or Louis Hayes. Piano: Walter Davis, Bary Harris, Junior Mance, Cedar Walton, or Roy Brooks. Bass: Sam Jones, George Duvivier, or Herbie Lewis.
The musicians are in balance with each other and never overpower Sonny's clear resonate melodies. Each cut is complimentary to the musicians as well as the song itself. George Duvivier's bass notes are heavenly on 'Is You Is or Is you Ain't' and 'Steamroller.' Walter Davis' piano on 'At Last' will keep you captivated. Sam Jones on 'Just Friends' (I really love bass) and Barry Harris on the ivory and Alan Dawson on drums here - absolutley fine. Again, nary a bad tune on the entire albumn.
'Givin' Away the Store' is almost as good if not better than his 'NY Jazz.' A good solid jazz album, one not to miss."