Sonny Clark Trio – Sonny Clark Trio (2003) [Audio Fidelity SACD #AFZ-001] [SACD ISO]

Sonny Clark Trio – Sonny Clark Trio (2003) [Audio Fidelity SACD #AFZ-001] [SACD ISO]
SACD Rip | SACD ISO | DSD64 2.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 1:14:45 minutes | Full Scans included | 3,05 GB
Genre: Jazz | Publisher (label): Audio Fidelity – AFZ 006

This lesser-known Sonny Clark session (his only studio album not made for Blue Note) is sometimes issued under drummer Max Roach’s name too. They are joined by bassist George Duvivier for a set of generally obscure Clark originals including “Minor Meeting,” “Blues Mambo,” & “My Conception” (which is taken as an unaccompanied piano solo). Although not obvious while listening to his recording, Clark’s life was on the decline & this would be his penultimate date as a leader.This is a very good session that finally sees the light of the digital day in this terrific hybrid SACD remastered from the original masters by Steve Hoffman. With Hoffman’s stamp on this disc, you can rest assured that this disc will sound amazing, & it does not let us down. Sonny’s piano is clean & crisp, the acoustic bass is precise without being muddy or buried in the mix, & Max Roach’s subtle playing is clearly articulated, especially his brush strokes & cymbal work. It’s amazing how a recording done back in 1959 can actually sound better than a tinny, loud modern recording, but in Hoffman’s capable hands, that’s exactly what you have.

The performances are very impressive on this album. Max Roach is a solid foundation, driving the tunes with some very subtle but effective cymbal work. He also stands out in Minor Meeting, with his most agressive playing. Duvivier is a smooth player who walks the dog as well as anyone in the business & has some tasty business on Sonny’s Crip. Sonny Clark is a great bop pianist, who reminds me a lot of Bud Powell, but is more lyrical & melodic in his soloing. The tunes here are not memorable, but basically work as good set pieces for the improvisations.

All in all, this is a quality jazz session that will leave you smiling.
What will NOT leave you smiling though is that as I write this Audio Fidelity has already lost the license to this disc & it is now officially in the “hard to find” category. However, I suggest you seek it out, because you will be very pleasantly surprised at the sound quality & performances on the SACD.

Tracklist:

1. Junka 6:18
2. Sonia 5:16
3. Blues Blue 4:26
4. Nica 6:17
5. Minor Meeting 3:48
6. Sonny’s Crip 6:19
7. Blues Mambo 5:01
8. My Conception 4:34
9. Sonia (Alternate Take) 7:21
10. Blues Blue (Alternate Take) 7:36
11. Junka (Alternate Take) 5:01
12. Minor Meeting (Alternate Take) 5:57
13. Nica (Alternate Take) 6:50

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