Stitt's Bits: Bebop Recordings 1949-1952 [Box set, Original recording remastered]

Sonny Stitt | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 25, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 3
• Format: Box set, Original recording remastered
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Prestige
• ASIN: B000FZET3O
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #114,344 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Sonny Stitt may be one of the most neglected figures of the bop era, a brilliant alto saxophonist unjustly overlooked for his stylistic resemblance to Charlie Parker. But as this exemplary three-CD set demonstrates, Stitt was his own man, and his style could still serve as a definition of bop, his lithe, high-speed lines and effortless swing propelling him through complex chord changes and sometimes fractured rhythms. Stitt is heard in numerous settings here, from octet to quartet and from appearances with giants like trombonist J.J. Johnson and pianist Bud Powell to journeyman groups that still pulse with the vitality of jazz's first revolution. Stitt's fluid brilliance is as apparent on ballads and standards as it is on the kinetic bop tunes, and it readily translates to tenor saxophone. There are numerous tracks by the two-tenor band he co-led with Gene Ammons, highlighting the contrast between Stitt's swift, complex phrases and Ammons's gruff passion. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I ALWAYS give Sonny Props, September 15, 2006

By 

Johnny Thursday (NYC Metro Area) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stitt's Bits: Bebop Recordings 1949-1952 (Audio CD)

great sounding reissue of hall-of-fame "re-bop, or what you will" with some great jazzy r&b-ish sessions thrown in to boot. Obviously the Sonny quartets (and the J.J. stuff) are what put this over, but having them interspersed with some larger band sessions featuring Jug actually enhances overall listenability. As for the old vocals on a handful of cuts, I like this style a lot, but these don't always sound that great. Not too much of a problem really, as the music is always on point. You also get two of the all time top Bud Powell sessions. Harvey Pekar supplies the notes, and I guess he's a big enough deal nowadays to print that on the box. Even I must admit he does a really good job, better than most of the folks who write for these types of packages. In short, a box for the true believer. (aside from Bud Powell, J.J. Johnson, and Gene Ammons mentioned above, just some of the notable musicians included in this package are: Art Blakely, Nelson Boyd, Kenny Drew, Bennie Green, Jo Jones, Duke Jordan, Junior Mance, Earl May, Tommy Potter, Max Roach, Curly Russell, and Shadow Wilson.)