Star Eyes by Sonny Stitt

Words cannot express how much admiration I have for the talent of the late Sonny Stitt. I won't waste time telling you that I believe that he was the greatest of all bop saxophonists, whether it be his tenor play or on alto. Here he is onstage [San Francisco's "Keystone Korner" circa 1981] just a few months before his death showing that he could still play as beautifully as ever.

Lineup:

Sonny Stitt - alto sax
Richie Cole - alto sax
John Handy - alto sax [although he sits out on this particular tune]
Cedar Walton - piano
Herbie Lewis - bass
Billy Higgins - drums
Bobby Hutcherson - vibes

Category:

Music

Tags:

• sonny stitt
• richie cole
• john handy
• cedar walton
• herbie lewis
• billy higgins
• bobby hutcherson
• bebop
• hardbop
• jazz
• swing
• saxophone

[exjazzbassbaz]

@beeshor1 i think you are right.whatever the circumstances they probably arrived at the same station on separate trains.i also think they would be influenced by the great players before them such as jonny hodges and lester young.no doubt we have to speak of bird and stitt in the same breath.many thanks my friend.oh and by the way the other fella on this recording is up there too.

[beeshor1]

@exjazzbassbaz Oh yeah, Richie Cole is, in the words of my generation, a "bad muther f***er" on the alto sax himself. It was his solo that led off this recording. In many respects, he was every bit the equal to Stitt.

[exjazzbassbaz]

sonny stitt was a giant but remember he said himself that bird left him the key.

[beeshor1]

@exjazzbassbaz Yes, there was a story that Bird told Stitt that he was leaving Stitt the "keys to the kingdom". Stiit was always compared to Bird throughout his career. But Stitt claims that he arrived upon his style completely separate of Bird's influence. In other words, according to Stitt, Sonny conceived his way of playing on his own and it just so happened that Bird's style and ideas were remarkably similar. Whatever the case, the two saxophonists will always be tied together in history.

[conn6m]

Sonny Stitt is one player I have to listen to every day to stop myself going mad.

You should check out 'Sonny Stitt - Jazz at the high hat' (1954) and the track Tri Horn Blues in particular to here him on Alto, Tenor and Baritone - a must have album in any case.

[beeshor1]

@conn6m Thanks for the tip. I intend to check out that album ASAP.

[jmspiro]

Hard to believe this is a c. 1981 performance. I mean, I hear some more modern, post 60s influence (unison horns a la master musicians of joujouka), but the commanding riffs indicate this guy really possessed the fire. Classic elements of a master solo... Thanks for the post.

[vstarsteve50]

I found this cd in a cheap bin at a walmart for @8 bucks and it became one of my all time favs!!

[kaferere]

@beeshor1 I totally agree with you about Sonny Stitt, I can marvel at the technical ability of other players but Sonny Stitt inspired such a melodic and rhythmic angle that I honestly don't think was ever equaled. I think Tubby Hayes at his best had some of the natural flair of Stitt but Stitt was so confident harmonically he was just magical. Thanks so much for posting.

[BIGFleck123]

i have to learn this song on guitar for a college audition and i don't even play jazz!!! all respect to the guy but its nowhere near my style music ugh...

[cliffworks4321]

I used to worship Sonny when I was a pup watching him play at The Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, they had a French Door they'd keep the top part open and I used to peer in and see all the greats, RIP.