Sonny Clark - Leapin And Lopin

Cut in 1961, this is Sonny Clark's last session as a leader. The all too familiar story of a promising young jazzman falling to the cycle of addiction claimed Sonny in 1963 at the age of 31. His playing gives no indication of his personal condition, however. Backed by Tommy Turrentine on trumpet, Charlie Rouse on tenor, with Ike Quebec taking Rouse's chair for "Deep In A Dream", Butch Warren on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums, Clark's bop based piano is at full strength and swings throughout. Every musician featured on this date is in top form. It is especially refreshing to hear Rouse on a rare outing from his usual gig with the Thelonious Monk quintet. Rouse sounds inspired and blows hard swinging solos on "Somethin' Special" and "Eric Walks". Another underrated musician, Ike Qubec takes the tenor role for the tender take on "Deep In A Dream", providing a smooth silky solo. Clark is equally at home deep in a groove like "Voodoo", high flying bop like "Melody For C", or a tender slow number like "Deep In A Dream". This cd is one of Clark's greatest achievements, and sadly one of his last. This cd is a must for all jazz collections as well as Sonny Clark fans.

Price: $21.98