Sonny Clark – Leapin' And Lopin' (Blue Note)

Sonny Clark's Leapin' And Lopin' was recorded in 1961 and released in 1962, closing out Clark's run of Blue Note albums as his last session as a leader. That gives the record extra weight, but it never feels solemn: this is hard bop played with lift, warmth and real snap, with Clark writing four of the seven pieces and shaping the session as much through ensemble feel as through solo display.

The band helps explain why the album lands so well. Clark is joined by Charlie Rouse, Tommy Turrentine, Butch Warren and Billy Higgins, with Ike Quebec stepping in memorably on the ballad Deep in a Dream. Rather than crowding the front line with thick harmonies, the arrangements leave room for crisp unison lines, rhythmic momentum and Clark's bright, poised comping. Tracks such as Somethin' Special and Voodoo show both sides of the album: one open and buoyant, the other late-night and sly.

It also stands as one of the clearest snapshots of what made Clark such a distinctive Blue Note pianist. AllMusic regards it as his fifth Blue Note date as a leader and a session often considered his best, while later writers have heard it as a moment when everything in his style fully came together. For anyone who knows Cool Struttin', this LP is a strong next step: a little more settled, just as melodic, and deeply rewarding as a full-band statement.

Features

• Blue Note vinyl reissue
• Newly remastered for vinyl