Sonny Stitt, Bud Powell, J.J. Johnson - Sonny Stitt, Bud Powell, J.J. Johnson (1956/2006)

Three classic Sonny Stitt sessions from 1949-50 are heard here in full. Stitt, who had been out of action due to his "personal problems," not only made a full-fledged comeback on these dates but debuted on (and stuck exclusively to) tenor rather than playing alto, where he was being assailed as a Charlie Parker imitator. He is featured on eight titles from a pair of quartet dates with pianist Bud Powell (who himself is in top form), bassist Curly Russell, and drummer Max Roach. In addition, Stitt is a sideman on a quintet outing headed by trombonist J.J. Johnson and also including pianist John Lewis, bassist Nelson Boyd, and Roach. Together the latter band performs three of Johnson's originals plus the original version of Lewis' "Afternoon in Paris"; all four titles are heard in two versions apiece. Highly recommended for all serious bop collections.

Tracks:

01. All God's Chillun Got Rhythm (3:00)
02. Sonny Side (2:23)
03. Bud's Blues (2:36)
04. Sunset (3:49)
05. Fine And Dandy (take 1) (2:44)
06. Fine And Dandy (take 2) (2:43)
07. Strike Up The Band (3:30)
08. I Want To Be Happy (3:14)
09. Taking A Chance On Love (2:36)
10. Afternoon In Paris (take 2) (3:05)
11. Elora (take 2) (3:12)
12. Teapot (take 2) (3:06)
13. Blue Mode (take 1) (3:47)
14. Blue Mode (take 2) (2:53)
15. Afternoon In Paris (take 1) (3:08)
16. Elora (take 1) (3:06)
17. Teapot (take 1) (2:44)

Personnel:

Sonny Stitt - ts
J.J. Johnson - tb
Bud Powell - p
John Lewis - p
Curly Russell - b
Nelson Boyd - b
Max Roach - d