Sonny Criss - This Is Criss (1966/2008/2014) [Official Digital Download]

In 1966 producer Don Schlitten imported Sonny Criss to New York for a recording session with a rhythm section handpicked for their ability to swing and for their understanding of the bebop methods that drove Criss. Determined to enhance the career of an alto saxophonist he considered an overlooked genius of the modern era, Schlitten thus provided the circumstance for one of Criss's great albums. To many listeners, This Is Criss! was a revelation; it presented a fully matured soloist who had overcome the uneven conception and time problems that many of them remembered from his brilliant but erratic earlier work. Highlights include the grit and emotional directness of his playing on the blues and his inventiveness on the beautiful and harmonically demanding "Skylark".

Along with tenor saxophonist Harold Land, altoist Sonny Criss qualifies as one of the most overlooked giants of West Coast jazz. His sound – like most alto players of the bebop and hard bop days – was heavily influenced by Charlie Parker, but Criss still managed to forge an original style featuring a very original melodic bent with loads of bluesy underpinnings. The goods can be optimally previewed on this great Prestige date from 1966. Backed by a trio consisting of pianist Walter Davis, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Alan Dawson, Criss makes fine work of such rare-bird covers as "Sunrise, Sunset" and "When Sunny Gets Blue." There are also some fine originals here, including Criss' own "Steve's Blues" and Davis' classic "Greasy." A perfect start to your Criss collection.

Tracklist:

01 - Black Coffee
02 - Days Of Wine And Roses
03 - When Sunny Gets Blue
04 - Greasy
05 - Sunrise Sunset
06 - Steve's Blues
07 - Skylark
08 - Love For Sale

Produced by Don Schlitten.
Recorded on October 21, 1966 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
All transfers were made from the analog master tapes to digital at 24-bit resolution.
Remastered by Rudy Van Gelder at Van Gelder Studio in 2008.

Musicians:
Sonny Criss - alto saxophone
Walter Davis Jr. - piano
Paul Chambers - bass
Alan Dawson - drums

A Note From Rudy Van Gelder:
I remember the sessions well, I remember how the musicians wanted to sound, and I remember their reactions to the playbacks. Today, I feel strongly that I am their messenger.

Thanks to the Original customer!