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Tune~Up! ~ Sonny Stitt | By Eddie Carter

Sonny Stitt was equally fluent on alto sax (tracks: A2, A4, B2, B3) and tenor sax (tracks: A1, A3, B1, B3) with a pure tone that could be carefree, fiery, or seductive. This morning’s choice from the library is a superb example of him at his best. Tune-Up! (Cobblestone CST 9013) is an excellent 1972 quartet session anchored by Barry Harris on piano, Sam Jones on bass, and Alan Dawson on drums. Stitt’s birth name was Edward Hammond Boatner, Jr. and he came from a musical family. Sonny’s father sang baritone, was a composer, and was a college music professor. His mom taught piano, and his brother was a classically trained pianist. He was later adopted by a family named Stitt and gave himself the name Sonny. The musicians he’s played with reads like the encyclopedia of jazz. Stitt’s also recorded over one hundred albums as a leader and sideman. My copy used in this report is the original US Stereo album.

Side One opens with a speedy rendition of Tune-Up by Miles Davis. Sonny’s tenor sax is emotionally charged from the start of the melody. He launches a ferocious workout on the first statement at breakneck speed. Barry is up next for a vigorously energetic reading leading to a final heated discussion by the leader before the quartet’s exit. I Can’t Get Started by Vernon Duke and Ira Gershwin is a gorgeous song from the film, Ziegfeld Follies of 1936. Stitt’s on alto sax for this tune and shows profound respect to the standard beginning with a thoughtfully tender opening chorus and lyrically beautiful serenade. Harris indulges in nostalgic reminiscing and reflection on the second interpretation and Jones follows with a delicately pretty performance. Stitt makes a genuinely touching and gracefully poignant presentation into the group’s charming climax.

Idaho by Jesse Stone was composed in 1942 and pays homage to the state. This original starts at a jaunty tempo with a cheerful melody. Sonny steps up first with a high-spirited opening statement. Barry takes the reins next for a concise performance of nimble agility. The saxophonist adds a brief bit of fire to the tune with a fitting closer ahead of the quartet’s exit. Side One closes on an upbeat note with a popular song about two lovers who are now Just Friends. It was written in 1931 by John Klenner and Sam M. Lewis. Stitt leads the group through a brisk melody, then kicks it up a notch on the opening chorus with combustible bop chops. Harris fills the second solo with a restless, bristling energy, matched by the rhythm section’s swinging support. Stitt brings out the best on a few final vivacious thoughts preceding the quartet’s closing moments.

Side Two opens on the saxophonist’s slow blues tribute to Lester Young and Charlie Parker, Blues For Prez and Bird. The trio begins with a soulful introduction, then Sonny applies an appropriately warm tone to the melody and first interpretation. Barry is especially endearing on a short statement that swings softly. Stitt arrives at a beautiful conclusion after speaking with deep emotion on the finale. Dizzy Gillespie’s Groovin’ High is a 1945 uptempo standard from the book of Bebop. The quartet comes out cooking on the opening chorus, then Stitt shifts into another gear with a dazzling reading of sheer exuberance. Harris also shows remarkable nimbleness on the second performance matching the saxophonist step for step. Stitt slices through the closing statement with razor-sharpness before the ensemble’s vigorous climax.

I Got Rhythm by George and Ira Gershwin is a jazz standard that was introduced in the musical Girl Crazy (1930). The ensemble deceptively starts slowly at the song’s bridge, rather than the beginning. Sonny has the first solo, erupting on tenor sax with the dynamic force of an active volcano. Barry takes over on the second statement with a fierce intensity, then Stitt kicks up a storm on alto sax for the next presentation. Jones makes a concise comment preceding Stitt ending the song on tenor the way it began. Tune-Up! was produced by Don Schlitten and recorded by Paul Goodman. The album has an exceptionally good soundstage with great clarity throughout the highs, midrange, and bass. If you’re in the mood for an outstanding album of alto and tenor sax, I proudly recommend and submit for your consideration, Tune-Up! by Sonny Stitt. He’s in top form here, and every track’s a winner!

~ I Can’t Get Started, Just Friends, Groovin’ High, I Got Rhythm – Source: JazzStandards.com
© 2021 by Edward Thomas Carter

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