Sonny Clark – Sonny's Crib (Blue Note Classic)

Sonny Clark's Sonny's Crib captures the pianist in 1957 at a key early Blue Note moment, building the late-50s hard bop sound with a sextet that includes John Coltrane, Donald Byrd, Curtis Fuller, Paul Chambers, and Art Taylor. Coming after Clark's debut Dial "S" for Sonny, it opens with three standards before turning to two Clark originals, showing both his feel for songbook material and his strength as a composer.

What makes this session especially attractive is the balance inside the band. Coltrane is a major presence throughout, with a standout turn on "Speak Low" and a forceful solo on the title track, recorded just two weeks before he made Blue Train. Byrd takes the lead on "With a Song in My Heart," while Fuller brings a warm, lyrical opening to "Come Rain or Come Shine." Clark is anything but a background player here: his writing and touch keep the music moving with real poise and swing.

For this Blue Note Classic edition, the album returns in stereo with an all-analog cut from the original master tapes, giving a fresh route back to one of Clark's most revealing leader dates.

Features

• 180g, Stereo, Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series
• Mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes
• Pressed at Optimal
• Single sleeve