Sonny, "Live At The Village Vaguard":
When all is said and done, probably my favorite Sonny recording; even above "Saxophone Colossus". Perhaps the best example of what can be done with a piano-less trio. I have four copies of this lp and have worn two of them out (the ones I've had since before, well...you know...the high end audio stuff) . Have played this recording perhaps more than any other tenor saxophone recording. Absolutely brilliant example of the art of improvisation from one of the geniuses of the music. Fascinating how a tenor player can be so hip and harmonically sophisticated while escaping the almost inescapable Coltrane influence. Rhythmically commanding like no one else. For me, a more direct connection to and lineage with the great swing players; brought to modern times of course. Can you tell I like this guy? Thank you for a very timely post! I can listen to this forever. Speaking of audio, also great example of why there's something special about a good mono recording. As with most things, and certainly in music, less is more.
When all is said and done, probably my favorite Sonny recording; even above "Saxophone Colossus". Perhaps the best example of what can be done with a piano-less trio. I have four copies of this lp and have worn two of them out (the ones I've had since before, well...you know...the high end audio stuff) . Have played this recording perhaps more than any other tenor saxophone recording. Absolutely brilliant example of the art of improvisation from one of the geniuses of the music. Fascinating how a tenor player can be so hip and harmonically sophisticated while escaping the almost inescapable Coltrane influence. Rhythmically commanding like no one else. For me, a more direct connection to and lineage with the great swing players; brought to modern times of course. Can you tell I like this guy? Thank you for a very timely post! I can listen to this forever. Speaking of audio, also great example of why there's something special about a good mono recording. As with most things, and certainly in music, less is more.