Customer Reviews

Duty Free

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This album, recorded in 1979 while on tour, is a real gem. Late Stitt, to be sure, a wonderful rhythm section is allowed space, a rarity in many Stitt recordings. The quartet plays as a group and anyone unaccustomed would have little clue as to the featured artist. At the time, Stitt's dental problems (restored later) may have impaired his tone but certainly not his creativity. Curiously, the selections on this recording also appear on another album "Back To My Own Home Town." in which Stitt performs a vocal. Two of the selections have their titles switched. The cover art is also used on other Stitt albums. Nevertheless, this is a very enjoyable album!.

Yet another Stitt-led session in a discography that clearly must exceed the estimate of 150 albums Sonny is said to have issued under his own name. This is late Stitt, recorded in Paris in 1979. I'm not familiar with the pianist and bass player (both are top-flight musicians), but the presence of Bobby Durham on drums was enough to force purchase. He doesn't disappoint, going beyond sensitive support to insistent generator of excitement and swing.

Sonny may be a tad less polished, smooth, and articulate on this recording (his intonation is often suspect in the upper register of his alto), but he plays with aggressiveness, feeling, and at times an unaccustomed abandon. The rhythm section is not about to roll over and play dead, and Sonny has no choice but to meets its challenge.

This is certainly not one of Stitts best works but he plays it like only he could. So if you are a Stitt fan check this one out!