Search - Sonny Stitt :: In Style

Ho hum--more of the same.

Samuel Chell | Kenosha,, WI United States | 05/25/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"There's a later release of this session on 32 Jazz with a different cover. Whatever the reincarnaton, it's another flawless outing by the world's most perfect saxophonist--the instrumentalist who is Sinatra's equivalent as the foremost interpreter of popular song. It may be questionable whether a couple of the tunes are worth interpreting, especially "Killing Me Softly With His Song," but as usual Stitt makes the most of each opportunity, varying the program in terms of tempos and saxophones. This is a late Stitt recording that recalls Sonny's work for Roost in the '50's, when he would show up at the studio, lay down 5-6 tracks per side with an "anonymous" rhythm section, and emerge several hours later with another gem--not a wasted note by anyone.The rhythm section this time is far from anonymous--Barry Harris, George Duvivier, and Jimmy Cobb--and they're in complete synch with the master. True, it's not "inspired" or "innovative" music, but with a craftsman like Stitt it's never accurate to use terms like "automatic" or "indifferent." If his reach does not exceed his grasp, we can only marvel again and again at the sterling quality and consistency of his prodigious output. It's time for a Stitt retrospective and book-length study of his exceptional career and undeniable artistry."