With all the "Sonnys" in Jazz, especially those who are saxophone players, one who seems always to be forgotten is William "Sonny" Criss. He is tonight's Jazz feature artist. Sonny had been around for a few years but his career was rather spotty but in 1965 he sent a demo tape to Prestige Record's producer Don Schlitten and Sonny was signed to a contract and recorded seven superb albums for Prestige from 1966 to 1969. We hear his initial date tonight recorded in RVG Studio on October 21,1966, 2 days before Sonny's 39th Birthday. Sonny appears with Walter Davis Jr. on piano, Paul Chambers on bass and the magnificent Alan Dawson on drums. The repertoire of 8 tunes is mostly standards but Walter Davis composed one and Sonny composed one also. As the cover of the album states "here is an alto saxophonist whose consummate artistry approaches perfection". That quote is no exaggeration and I'm sure you'll agree. "This is Criss!" tonight's Jazz Feature.
Track Listing:
When Sunny Gets Blue
Sonny Criss · This is Criss!
The Days of Wine and Roses
Sonny Criss · This is Criss!
Black Coffee
Sonny Criss · This is Criss!
Greasy
Sonny Criss · This is Criss!
Sunrise, Sunset
Sonny Criss · This is Criss!
Skylark
Sonny Criss · This is Criss!
Love For Sale
Sonny Criss · This is Criss!
Steve's Blues
Sonny Criss · This is Criss!
Ecclusiastics
Roland Kirk · Roland Kirk with The Benny Golson Orchestra
By Myself
Roland Kirk · Roland Kirk with The Benny Golson Orchestra
Roland Speaks
Roland Kirk · Roland Kirk with The Benny Golson Orchestra
A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square
Roland Kirk · Roland Kirk with The Benny Golson Orchestra
Variation on a Theme of Hindemith
Roland Kirk · Roland Kirk with The Benny Golson Orchestra
After The Show
Freddie Redd · Lonely City
Lonely City
Freddie Redd · Lonely City
Bleeker Street Blues
Freddie Redd · Lonely City
Blue Star
Benny Carter · Further Definitions
Cotton Tail
Benny Carter · Further Definitions
Body and Soul
Benny Carter · Further Definitions
Cherry
Benny Carter · Further Definitions
Sofly as In A Morning Sunrise
Richard Davis · Muses For Richard Davis
What Is It?
Richard Davis · Muses For Richard Davis
Opus De Funk
Milt Jackson · The Milt Jackson Quintet
Buhaina
Milt Jackson · The Milt Jackson Quintet